By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri has organized The Episcopal Ordination of Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese on Thursday at the St. Patrick Catholic Church of Christ in Maiduguri.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, was represented by Papal Noncio (The Pope’s representatives in Nigeria), Most Rev. Antonio Gudo Filipazz.
Presiding over the Episcopal Ordination, Most. Rev. Filipazz congratulated and appreciated the new Bishop for his efforts, services , dedication and commitment to God and humanity.
He prayed God to revive him as a minister of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God.
The Papal Noncio also commended him for being entrusted with the task of bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel and with the ministry of the Spirit and of Justice while urging the new ordinates Bishop to remember the words Christ spoke to the Apostles.
” Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you, rejects me, and whoever rejects me, rejects the one who send me”.
” And now, who you have been chosen by the Lord, consider that you are chosen from among men and appointed on their behalf for those things that pertain to God”.
“The title of Bishop is one of services , not of honour and therefore a Bishop should strive to benefit others rather than lord it over them,” Antonio said.
The Most Rev. Antonio further explained that such is the precept of the Master, the greater should behave as the least and the ruler as the servant, tasking him to preach the word in season and out of season, reprove with all patience and sound teaching.
The Apostolic Nuncio also advised him that as he pray and offer sacrifice for the people he should be committed to his care, devote himself wholeheartedly to seeking every kind of grace for the people from the fullness of Christ’s holiness.
“As the church entrusted in you, be a faithful steward, moderator and guardian of the mysteries of Christ. As one chosen my the Father to rule over his family, be mindful always of the Good Shepard, who knows his sheep and is known by them, and who did not hesitate to lay down his life for them.
“With the charity of the father and brother, live all who God places in your care, especially, the priests and deacons, your co-workers in the ministry of Christ, but also the poor and the weak, immigrants and strangers”, he said.
After the homily, the Bishop-elect rose and stood in front of the principal ordinating Bishop who questioned him in some words in form of taking oaths of office and allegiance.
The Bishop-elect, Most Rev. Dr John Bogna Bakeni was then handed over his pastoral staff and espicopal (ring).
The ordination ceremony was graced by top personalities including the former Governor Governor of Anambra State and The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi.
There were congratulatory and goodwill messages from other Catholic Bishops, Archbishops, priests, catholic faithful and personalities.
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