Episcopal Ordination: Katsina Ala Catholic Diocese Gets New Bishop
Jimmie Adzande
Makurdi
A new Bishop has been installed for the Catholic Diocese of Katsina Ala. He is Monsignor Isaac Dugu.
His episcopal Ordination follows the demise of the first Bishop of the diocese late Most Rev. Peter Adoboh.
In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Reverend Antonio Guido Filipazzi explained that the primary task of the Bishop is to promote unity among the people; to love God and follow his teachings. He said “the Bishop’s mission is at the service of the unity of the Church and humanity.”
The Papal Nuncio who was the Principal Consecrator, discouraged divisions in the Church stressing that “If the Church is divided, the society cannot stand united.” He also urged the faithful to collaborate with the new Bishop for the unity of the Diocese.
On his part, Metropolitan Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, who spoke on behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, promised to stand by the new Bishop and the Diocese of Katsina-Ala.
Most Reverend Dugu in his acceptance speech, appreciated God and thanked the Holy Father, Pope Francis for finding him worthy of appointment.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of his predecessor, late Bishop Peter Adoboh who laid a foundation for the Diocese and pledged to work hard to sustain the legacies of tending the flock.
Also speaking, the Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Reverend William Avenya thanked Pope Francis for the opportunity to oversee the Diocese of Katsina-Ala as Apostolic Administrator, before the appointment of a substantive one.
Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse in a goodwill message appreciated God and Pope Francis for appointing a new Bishop for Katsina-Ala. He called on his subjects to support the new Bishop.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Ortom reaffirmed the readiness of his administration to sustain the partnership it has with the Church towards tackling challenges.
Ortom congratulated the new Bishop and prayed that his Episcopate would win more souls for Jesus and sustain peace in Katsina-Ala Diocese and the State in general.
The occasion was witnessed by thousands of Catholic faithful and people from different societies at the Akume Atongu stadium, Katsina Ala, Benue State.
