Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty (center) with CBCN officials and dignitaries at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) yesterday welcomed the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
A high-powered delegation, led by the Vice President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, received Archbishop Crotty. Other dignitaries present included John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Bishop Anselm Umoren, Bishop Habila Daboh, Bishop Sylvester Gopep, and Bishop Moses Chikwe. They were all introduced to the Papal envoy by the Charge’ D’Affaire, Monsignor Carlo maria Donati.
Honorable Rotimi Amaechi and his wife, representatives of the Papal Knights, the umbrella organisations in the Church, the Holy Childhood children and the Zumuta mata women added a touch of tradition and warmth to the welcome ceremony with their songs, dances, and flower bouquet presentation.
At the Nunciature, there was an adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a brief reception in honor of Archbishop Crotty.
In his remarks, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, on behalf of the CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, assured Archbishop Crotty of the full cooperation and collaboration of all Nigerian Bishops and the entire Church in Nigeria. In response, Archbishop Crotty expressed gratitude to the Holy Father for his appointment and thanked the Church in Nigeria for the warm welcome accorded him. He expressed his eagerness to work with the Nigerian Church, visiting and meeting as many people as possible. “I look forward to the Nigerian experience of what it means to be Catholic,” Archbishop Crotty said.
Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty succeeds Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi, and his appointment was announced by Pope Francis.
BREAKING NEWS: Vatican appoints new Apostolic Nuncio for Nigeria – NIGERIA CATHOLIC NETWORK
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