2023 CBCN PLENARY, ABUJA: Proceedings for Day One

By CSN Report

After the arrival of the Bishops to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) in Abuja on Saturday 11 February, 2023, the Opening Mass, said by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) was held on Sunday 12 instant, at the St. Gabriel’s Chapel in the Secretariat compound.

The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, was the homilist at the Holy Mass, with over 62 Bishops and dignitaries of Church and State in attendance. The Church Dignitaries included the President of Diocesan Priests Association in Nigeria, Presidents of the Conference of Major Superiors in Nigeria (Male and Female), the National Presidents of the Laity, CMO, CWO, CYON, the Papal Knights, Knights of St. John International and Knights of St. Mulumba.

The Opening Ceremony, anchored by the National Social Communications Director, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, followed immediately after the Mass and was chaired by Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi. It commenced with the Enthronement of the Word of God by Bishop Stephen Mamza of Yola Diocese, then the introduction of Guests by Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta Diocese. After the Chairman’s opening remarks, the President of Conference, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, gave his Welcome Address which was followed by an announcement and an Address by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi. At this point, the news of the creation of the new Diocese of Aguleri with the appointment of Bishop Denis Chidi Isizor as the pioneer bishop was transmitted to the Assembly by the Pope’s envoy.

Goodwill messages were received from the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba who was represented by Archbishop Buba Lamido of Wusasa Diocese and Kaduna Province. The CAN President, Rev. Dr. Daniel Oko was present in person to give his goodwill message.

Just before the vote of thanks by the Vice President of CBCN, Most Rev Mathew Ndagoso of Kaduna Archdiocese, Jude Nnam and his group thrilled the Assembly with a special Peace Song, while the Emeritus Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev Felix Alaba Job led the closing prayer and Peter Cardinal Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Diocese gave the final blessing.

The evening session commenced at 5pm with the prayer of the Holy Rosary, followed by Vespers and Benediction. The Bishops were later specially received by the parishioners of the St. Gabriel CSN Chaplaincy before going for Supper.