DISCIPLINE IS NOT PUNISHMENT-MAKURDI CATHOLIC BISHOP
Erdoo Due, Denen Daniel
21st August, 2022 remains remarkable in the life and history of St. Vincent De Paul, Poor as the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese Most Revd. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe CMF while on a pastoral visit, inaugurated the former outstation of St. John the Baptist Tyodzua to a Quasi Parish after 80 years of existence, administers the Baptism of confirmation to 102 as well as joined six couples in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
According to the Chancellor of Makurdi Diocese -Fr Oliver Ortese CSSP, the visit was to formally fulfil the pronouncement of the Bishop at the 2020 Diocesan Chrism mass and bestow sacraments upon Parishioners.
Responding to this noble course, the Dean of Iorhom Deanary- Rev.Fr. James Utav supported by the host priest, Rev.Fr. Boniface Ahura VC requested the inauguration by the Bishop in accordance with the Canon Law. This informed the complete authority of the Bishop to establish St. Vincent De Paul, Poor as an independent Quasi Parish with the appointment of Rev. Fr. Boniface Ahura VC as Priest in charge to steer the affairs.
In his homily, Bishop Anagbe reminded all priests present, of their role. He said, “you are servants, because you are Shepherds and anyone who is a leader must take the position of a servant so, that is your role in the church, you must display decorum in relating with church members and adopt a collaborative approach in all your dealings with the lay faithful.
Uphold discipline of your parishioners, discipline is not punishment.” He further encouraged the newly wedded to be supportive of each other and avoid third parties in their marriage.
In a Closing Remark, the host priest who doubles as the newly appointed priest in charge of the Quasi Parish, appreciated the Bishop for taking time and finding it worthy to inaugurate the parish. He said, “this day has been awaited for decades and today the powerful master has done it. Having acquired this status, we hope to grow spiritually and structurally. In the next five years, with utmost cooperation of the Christ Faithful, we should have a secondary school and a hospital.”
Responding to this historic event, some Parishoners including Mbaanaga Godwin- President, Catholic Men Organization (CMO) and Vice Chairman of the Mission, acknowledged the hard work of the priest in charge which has culminated into total independence of the Mission evident this day. He further, appreciated the bishop for finding St. Vincent worthy of such an honour.
Faustina Nyiwo, a member of the Church council said, “this is a right step in the right direction and an indication of greater heights, St. Vincent De Paul is a progressive church with great prospects.”
Mrumun Maior one of the newly wedded said, “This is a dream come true for me, I have anticipated this day all my life, today it is reality. I will dispose all my duties as a wife and honour my husband as the bible admonishes.”
Edward Adzonde a resident of Poor said, “It is an honour to have the Bishop here in Tse poor, the parishioners who have displayed good conduct today should remain loyal to their priest and enjoy all that God has in store for them.”
