KATSINA DIOCESE: ‘BECOME ANOTHER VOICE TO DENOUNCE THE MINDLESS, RECKLESS SPILLING OF BLOOD IN THE NORTH’, HOMILIST CHARGES NEW BISHOP
The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Echema, charged the new Bishop of the new Catholic Diocese of Katsina, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa to see himself as another voice that has come to denounce the mindless and reckless spilling of blood in the Northern part of Nigeria and other parts of the country.
“Like your brothers, Most Rev. Mathew Ndagoso of Kaduna Archdiocese and Most Rev. Mathew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, you will become another voice to denounce the mindless and reckless spilling of blood here in the North and other part of the country. You must continue to tell the criminals and all those involved, that the shedding of innocent blood is wrong.
“You are being empowered today, to speak up in the face of injustice, to join other bishops in Nigeria to become the voice of the voiceless and to cater for the many displaced families and refugees in your homeland.”
Bishop Echema gave the charge in his homily during the Mass for the canonical erection of the new Diocese of Katsina and the Episcopal ordination and installation of Bishop Musa as its first Bishop, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the open field of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Kaduna. He urged the new Bishop to pay careful attention the socio-political happenings in the country, rather than remain indifferent about the plight of the suffering masses.
“As a Chief Shepherd and Pastor, you are to give constant attention to the socio-political happenings in our nation. We as pastors cannot sit on the fence and turn our back on the oppressed and the suffering masses, we are to intercede and advocate for the oppressed, weak and the marginalized in our society.”
Praying for God’s blessings and protection on the new Bishop and the new Diocese, the homilist reminded Bishop Musa that the mission of Christ to all pastors and shepherds of the flock of Christ, is to announce the goodnew of Christ, comfort the afflicted and proclaim liberty to the captives especially in Nigeria.
“As we consecrate you today, I humbly implore God to strengthen you, and bless you with an ever burning zeal and undaunted courage through the intercession and maternal care and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and the apostles whom you have become one of their successors.
“His mission is very clear, to heal to the afflicted in Nigeria, comfort those who morn and to announce the goodness of Christ. To liberate those in prison. Liberty for our people held in captivity by boko haram, herdsmen, kidnappers and to bring succour to our teeming youths, who are wallowing aimlessly without a future.”
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan who was the Chief celebrant and Principal Consecrator at the Mass, presided over the canonical rite of the Episcopal ordination and diocesan erection. He equally, carried out an official handover of relevant documents and administrative tools to the new bishop of the new Diocese of Katsina which was carved out of the Diocese of Sokoto.
The celebration had 26 bishops in attendance, numerous priests, religious and heads of the various lay apostolate groups in the church. It also enjoyed the presence of the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda who was represented by some members of the State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, religious leaders, amongst others.
