Ikpeazu hails Monsignor Ukpong, reiterates support to the church
Posted by Charlse Eke Ogbonnaya | 4 years ago | 1,645 times
The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reassured the Catholic Church and entire Christaindom of his administration's determination to ensure positive partnership that will take the state to the next level of development.
The Governor gave the assurance during the Episcopal Ordination of the first auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia Catholic diocese, Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong at Mater Dei Cathedral Umuahia.
The governor represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu noted that the church has been of immense help to the Spiritual, Political, Socioeconomic, unity and advancement of his administration and urged Abians and indeed the nation to draw closer to God.
While congratulating the first Auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong, Gov. Ikpeazu urged him to see the elevation as a call to work harder for the propagation of the gospel and salvation of mankind through the Episcopal Ministry.
He further urged Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong to draw strength and roadmap from the Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese who had written severally to the Vatican City for an Auxiliary Bishop to help promote the work of Evangelization in the Diocese and expressed the joy of the Catholic faithful and Abians on the Ordination which will go a long way in helping the local church in carrying God's flocks in Aba and Ahiara Diocese.
The State Chief Executive also commended the Catholic Church for abiding to the NCDC protocols in maintaining the social distancing as well keeping the government directive on Covid 19/precautionary measures and pray God to give the Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong strength to carry out his assignment faithfully and successfully.
The Papal message of Pope Francis to Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong which was read in Latin/ English and Igbo noted that his selection was as a result of his records and outstanding Priestly qualities in the propagation of the gospel of God and identifying with the needs of his people, request of Bishop Lucious Iwejuru Ugorji for an Auxiliary Bishop to help promote the work of Evangelization in the Diocese and urged him to continue to serve God more faithfully.
Similarly, The Pope representative,
the Apostolic/ Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi advised the Monsignor to continue to live up to his Episcopal Ordination by living a sacrificial life, see things with spiritual eyes, propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ, touch humanity positively and always draw strength from God at all times.
Speaking, the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji while thanking God on the appointment of Rt. Rev, Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong as the Auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia said that it is a dream come true, also lauded Pope Francis for making the appointment possible, which he described as a call to selfless service.
Bishop Ugorji condemned the unwanton killings going on in Southern Kanduna and other areas, urging government to be alive to the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Responding, the new Auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Bishop Michael Kalu Ukpong expressed his happiness to all that made Episcopal Ordination possible, especially Pope Francis , Bishop Ugorji who nominated him and other bishops, his father for allowing him to attend the seminary despite not being a Catholic and promised to continue in the task of propagation of the gospel of God and touching humanity positively.
Highlight of the occasion was Episcopal Ordination of Rt. Rev. Monsignor Michael Kalu Ukpong as the Auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia Diocese by the Pope representative,
the Apostolic/ Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi while the ceremony attracted the presence of the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial Zone and Chief whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the Governor of Anambra State, Willia Obiano represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Linus Odili, member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu , member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu,the wife of the state deputy governor, Lady Vivian Oko Chukwu, Catholic faithfuls,the Archbishop's and Bishop from churches and top government officials.
Charles reporting
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