Victor Ezeja
AdminThe people of Mbaise in Imo State have expressed joy and excitement as they went on bended knees to appreciate Pope Francis for “giving them temporary relief from the present economic hardship in Nigeria that has created the national mood of sadness and grief due to hunger and starvation resulting from economic stagnation”.
The Agụ Na-Eche Mba of Mbaise, Prof. Amadi Azuogu disclosed this to Prime Business Africa on Tuesday, stating that the Head of the Roman Catholic Church exploded joy among the people and quadrupled their peace, joy and happiness by appointing Msgr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi CMF as the Auxiliary Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Mbaise.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNoting that uncontrollable excitement and jubilation have greeted the announcement, the community leader pointed out that with the emergence of Nwobi as the Bishop-elect of Ahiara, irreconcilable are reconciled; segregation is now congregation and disunity has become unity in the household of faith while hitherto murmuring has melted away.
His words, “No wonder, locally made canon shots erupted in Mbaise and Ahiara Diocese once the announcement was made. Catholics and non-Catholics in the nation of Mbaise shared this joy together in a show of Mbaise unity and honour to God. Using the jargon of American football, Holy Father, you hit a homerun.”
Azuogu maintained that come December 19, 2023 when Nwobi, who he described as the pastor close to the people” will be consecrated a Bishop, the world will see that the face of the Mbaise nation is renewed. “We, the Mbaise people, the clergy, religious and laity of Ahiara Diocese, pledge our undivided loyalty and and unmitigated obedience to you and to Holy Mother Church,” he added.
While extending right hand of fellowship to Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, the Mbaise people insisted that the Pope and Holy Mother Church has taken the wise decisions that can now be summarized as a true “no victor, no vanquished”. Without invoking the principle of “the end justifies the means” let us now focus on the two wise solutions that Holy Mother Church proffered, they said, adding that “There is no bitterness of any kind in our hearts now. Your Eminence, the Church has won so let us rejoice with Her”.
The people went on to commend John Cardinal Onaiyekan for his effort in finding a lasting and joyous solution to the Ahiara problem. While expressing gratitude to the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, Azuogu urged the Spiritual Fathers to join in celebrating the wisdom of Holy Mother Church in the two wise solutions offered to Cardinal Okpaleke and Ahiara Diocese.
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