CATHOLIC DIOCESE CONSTITUTE RESOURCE AND PLANNING COMMISSION
Source :Catholic Star Makurdi Diocese
Erdoo Due
Saturday 19th June, 2021 remains remarkable in the history of Makurdi Diocese as it constituted a Resource and Planning Commission as well as inaugurated a governing council and an international advisory board to stir the hem of affairs of the commission.
The event which took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedralin Makurdi began with an inaugural mass graced by priests both within and outside the Diocese, the Knights of the Catholic Church, Laity, CWO, CMO, government officials as well as the lay faithful was led by the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, His Lordship Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF.
In his homily tittled ‘Harvesting the gifts in all the baptized’ Anagbe appreciated all present at the event stating that, it was a remarkable one for the diocese especially as it marks 60 years at this time of intense hardships.
His Lordship calls on all Christians to use their God given gifts. He said, “just like the gospel of today from Matt25:14-30, it is not our talents that matter but how we use them. No matter how small or big a talent you have, it should be use for the service and glory of God. Because God reward is not intelligence or brilliance but faithfulness and commitment to Him. So,, whatever your hands find doing, do it well and to the best of your ability. Some persons alive today are afraid of using their spiritual gifts like the servant with one talent in the scripture, because they are trying to avoid mistakes which is the situation for many Christians in the world today. In life, you must either try to do something with your gift which makes you gain more or remain dormant and loose that gift completely” he emphasized.
Proceeding the homily was an Episcopal Decree Establishing the Commission read by the Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Jude Ortese CSSp. “The Commission is founded on the core values of modesty and credibility which will build the capacity of Makurdi diocese to meaningfully engage morally, intellectually financially and materially ways of overcoming money challenges in evangelisation while forming a social enterprise which will create positive and social value change. Objectives of this Commission include; to identify and harness available resources within and outside the Diocese and advise the Bishop on appropriate allocation for the primary purpose of evangelisation, to enhance effective coordination of a planning process that would provide predictability in the diocesan development process making use of professionals, to provide advisory services to the Bishop and other members of the clergy as well as the Laity at various levels within Makurdi Diocese on available investment opportunities and other income generating activities within and outside the diocese. Others are, to provide an effective capacity development platform for the Diocese on diverse areas of the catholic faith and advance the teaching ministry of the church in Makurdi Diocese, to provide archival resources and a database that will enhance scientific analysis of emerging trends that would be appropriately fed into the process of evangelisation in Makurdi diocese, to provide an effective and result oriented coordinating mechanism for managing of relationships between the church, state, traditional and other religious institutions and to provide analytical services towards understanding documents periodically issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Catholic Secretariat and the Vatican.”
The inauguration and oath of office by members of the Governing council which include: Bishop Wilfred Anagbe-Chairman, Barr Mike Utsaha–Secretary, Suveyor Joe Ode, Mrs Dooshima Gbashabo, Mrs Theresa Kwan, Hon. Bernard Unenge, Mr Timothy Kure, Mr Fred Chagu, Prof.Tor Iorapuu, Vitalis Ortese and Fr.Innocent Jooji. International Advisory Board comprise of Frs. Oliver Ortese-Chairman, Amos Mbachie, Vincent Jijingi, John Ikponko, Joseph Pilla, Isaac Shityo, Celestine Tyowua, Rev.Sr. Esther Upaa, Mrs Catherine Adikwu, Marcela Zymanski, Vernice Guthrie and Osai Ojigho formed highlight of the day.
In a vote of thanks, the Governing Council Secretary, Mike Utsaha Esq said, thanked the Bishop for his ingenuity and creativity behind the establishment of the commission and the honour seeking process that has led to this point. He said it is a right step indeed at the right time especially with the Synodal development. “The idea of a Resource and Planning Commission was birthed sometime in October,2020 when I and the Bishop had an opportunity of reflecting on the side-lines of an event we were both involved and a process of fostering growth and resource mobilization within the diocese” he said.
In his good will message, Fr. Atta Barkindo representative of Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese said, “this commission established today will foster peace and development within the Diocese. With the pulling together of resources, sustainable projects will be established to help members of the church.”
Hon. Bernard Unenge, Commissioner for lands and solid minerals, representative of governor Samuel Ortom said, “I wish to congratulate the Diocese of Makurdi and all those found worthy to serve the church today. I pray this commission foster growth and development with the hope to propagate the church higher.”
Some members of the Council who spoke to our correspondent could not hold back their joy and enthusiasm to serve.
For Mrs Gbashabo, this presents a great opportunity for her to serve the church she said, “I live in Lagos but I am a friend of this Diocese. So, it is an honour to have been found worthy of today’s inauguration and I pray and hope for support from members of the church that, the aim of this Commission will be achieved.”
On his part Suveryor Ode said, “I am of Otukpo Diocese with a lot of friends in Makurdi Diocese who have found me capable of this opportunity. Therefore, I will put in my best and encourage other members where necessary so in collaboration with the Bishop new developmental opportunities will be exposed and utilized for the growth of Makurdi Diocese.”
Closing remarks came through the Diocesan Chancellor who recognised the patience and coordination of participants at the event. Hw stated that, the mission and strength of the Bishop, CPC, Council and Advisory Board members was divine. He also acknowledged the Commission as a development which will help the church look outside the offering box especially in this time of difficulty. He further prayed journey mercies for all as they departed for various destinations.
Other activities that commemorated the day included a tour to sight the developmental strides of the Diocese by members of the council and board led by the Bishop. Theese were Seshugh Maria Pilgrimage Centre Ayati, Our Lady of Consolation Secondary School Agan and Holy Ghost Parish (Old Hall Project).
[…] March, 2021, the Makurdi Catholic Diocese constituted a Resource and Planning Commission to upgrade resources at its disposal for supporting communities and adherents suffering from the […]