“Pray for our land, priests, traditional rulers,” Iviari, Rgere Catholic communities appeal to Bishop Gokum

By PJ Usanga

The Catholic communities of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iviari and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Rgere, both of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, welcomed Bishop Michael Gobal Gokum of the Catholic Diocese of Pankshin on Wednesday 28 August, 2024. They regarded the visit as a significant blessing and requested prayers for their land, their priests, and their traditional rulers.

The visit was part of the ongoing 2024 second plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) hosted by the Diocese of Auchi which availed the bishops the opportunity to interact with the Catholic community in the diocese.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Laity Council of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Rgere, High Chief Omoaka Paul, expressed gratitude for the historic visit. “This is the first time a visiting bishop has come to say Mass in our land, which signifies that more blessings are coming to our community and this reflects unity within the Church,” he stated.

Furthermore, Chief Omoaka, earnestly appealed to Bishop Gokum to pray for their land, priests, and traditional rulers. He extended well wishes to the bishop and other Catholic bishops for a safe return after the plenary.

In his homily, Bishop Gokum, speaking on behalf of the CBCN, thanked the community for their dedication to advancing the Gospel. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their support to the Church, their bishop, and initiatives that foster the growth of the faith.

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, I appreciate all the good work you have been doing,” Bishop Gokum said. “As a Church, we are united. I recognize your efforts and struggles, which are evident in your beautiful church. Continue to support your Church, your bishop, and all initiatives that advance Christianity.”

The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Gokum, was concelebrated by the Priest In-Charge of St. Joseph, Iviari, Fr. Sylvester Gominah, the Priest In-Charge of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rgere, Rev. Fr. Thomas Anavhe. Lay representatives from both communities attended the Mass, and jointly welcomed the Bishop at St. Joseph, Iviari.