WARRI DIOCESAN PRIESTS VISIT APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR IN BENIN-CITY
…Pledge their Allegiance, Loyalty, Obedience, and Commitment
Priests of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, represented by the Executives, on Thursday 21st April 2022, paid a courtesy visit to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin-City Archdiocese and Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze pledging their loyalty, obedience and collaboration as he assumes office as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.
The delegation which was led by the President of the Warri Diocesan Priests Association, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Mario Ozele, had all the members of his Exco in attendance, including the Vice President, Rev. Fr. Michael Okolocha, and the Secretary, Rev. Fr. Joseph Inana, Secretary.
In his congratulatory message and address, Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele Ph.D, expressed on behalf of the priests, religious and laity of Warri Diocese their warmest congratulations to the Archbishop on his appointment as the Apostolic Administrator of Warri Diocese.
He said; “On behalf of priests of Warri Diocese, religious and flocks of Christ to whom we are called and charged to serve, we bring you warmest congratulations on your appointment as the Apostolic Administrator of Warri Diocese. You have the assurance of prayers by both the clergy, religious and laity of Warri”.
Reiterating the priestly promises made during ordination which centers on respect and obedience, Rev. Fr. Ozele noted that such promises made are not perceived as juridical bond but rather as hierarchical communion willed by Jesus Christ himself.
He noted that. “Our obedience is apostolic as it recognizes, loves and serves the Church in her hierarchical structure, stressing that there cannot be a genuine priestly ministry except in communion with the Supreme Pontiff and the episcopal college especially with one’s diocesan Bishop.” On this basis, they have come to pledge their loyalty to the newly appointed Apostolic Administrator.
He assured him of their loyalty, together with the laity, to the Holy Father Pope Francis, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazi, the Apostolic Administrator of Warri Diocese, and to the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Fr. Ozele, however, noted that a similar case of Administratorship has once occurred in the Diocese of Warri, and that the Diocese has learned from her history and is determined to ensure that the future is more glorious than the past.
Responding, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, appreciated the priests and the laity of Warri Diocese for their wisdom, love and commitment. He also thanked the emeritus Bishop for his good work and development in the Diocese, until he retired recently. He prayed God to grant him good health in his retirement and assured him of his prayers.
He, emphasized that no one is coming from anywhere to take over Warri Diocese, instead the present arrangement is meant to lay the groundwork preparatory to the appointment of a substantive bishop whom he hopes will be from among the priests of Warri diocese whose capabilities are not in doubt.
While noting that much has been done, he observed that there’s still much to be done to ensure the smooth takeoff of the next administration. Most Rev. Akubeze further charged both the priests and laity to create an enabling environment in accomplishing the task at hand while drawing on the vast gifts, goodwill and generosity for which Warri is well known. He promised to act as a facilitator of the process.
After blessing the delegation, the Archbishop wished them journey mercies back home.
