Pope Francis salutes pioneer Bishop of Wukari
…… commends Catholic community over creation of Diocese
By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church, His Holiness, Pope Francis has lauded the Catholic community of Nigeria over the creation of the Wukari Diocese and installation of its pioneer Bishop, Most Rev Mark Maigida Nzekwein.
Pope Francis gave the commendation at the consecration of Most Rev Nzekwein, as the pioneer Bishop of Wukari Diocese on Saturday in Wukari, Wukari local government area of Taraba state.
The pope who was represented by principal consecrator and the Homilist, most Rev Antonio Huido Filipazzi, noted that the relentless efforts of the conference of Nigerian Bishops for ensuring the creation of the new diocese and installation of its Bishop was an indication that Catholic community in the country was out to win more souls for christ.
He saluted the new Bishop on his elevation in the service of God and charged him to be more committed to build a united straight for Christ in the region.
Earlier, Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, while congratulating Bishop Nzekwein, urged him to intercede for quick return of peace in the southern part of Taraba and continuous peace in the state.
The governor who was represented by the secretary to the State Government, Mr Anthony Jelason, expressed that the continue unrest in the area needed God presence to permanently put the ugly situation to rest.
“We wish to believe God that your installation as a pioneer Bishop of Wukari Diocese is the beginning of peace in the southern part of Taraba. The situation here need God presence and we believe that you are the God saint that will permanently put the situation to rest.
“I want to advise you to see your elevation in the service of God, as not just a new development for the Catholic or Christianity in Taraba, but a foundation for continue coexistence of people and the Optimus development of Taraba state,” Ishaku advised.
