THE Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has congratulated the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Anambra State, Most Rev. Denis Isizoh for being appointed into the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue by Pope Francis.
Bishop Ezeokafor who gave the congratulatory message at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka said, the appointment of Bishop Isizoh was a cheering one.
He also condoled the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah over the death of his mother, Mrs Hauwa Kukah, who died on 10th July, 2020 at the age of 86.
According to Bishop Ezeokafor, Bishop Isizoh’s elevation would bring about a lot of positive developments and goodwill to the people of God, especially to the Nigerian Catholic faithful.
“Bishop Isizoh’s appointment is a square peg in a square hole. He is more than qualified and grounded in that area. It is a familiar terrain for him. He worked closely with Cardinal Arinze. He knows his onions. I am happy with his latest appointment. It is a move in the right direction. I know he’ll succeed.
“I want to thank Pope Francis for the appointment.
“The Supreme Pontiff took a very wise decision. We all will benefit from Bishop Isizoh’s elevation. We are here to support him. We owe him our prayers,” he said.
Bishop Ezeokafor also called on the Priests, Religious and the Lay faithful, especially those of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province to leverage on the appointment by throwing their weights behind the bishop and also ensure that he (Bishop Isizoh) succeeds in his new assignment.
Pope Francis, last Wednesday, appointed Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese as one of the new members to the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.
The Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue (PCID), is a special department of the Roman Curia for relations with the people of other religions.
It was established by Pope Paul VI on the Pentecost Sunday, 19 May 1964, during the Second Vatican Council, as the Secretariat for Non-Christians. It was renamed the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue by St. Pope John Paul II on 28 June 1988.
The PCID is charged with the responsibility of promoting mutual understanding, respect and collaboration between Catholics and followers of other religious traditions.
It should be noted, however, that this responsibility of the PCID does not include dialogue with the Jewish religion, because the dialogue with the Jewish religions falls under the competence of the Commission for religious Relations with Jews, and this comes under the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
The current President of the PCID is Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, who has held the post since 25 May, 2019.
Bishop Ezeokafor, also congratulated the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke who marked his 39th Priestly Anniversary recently.
Congratulating the Archbishop, Bishop Ezeokafor prayed God to continue to bless and keep him as he continued to shepherd his flocks.
Archbishop Okeke was born at Umudioka in Dunkofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, on 20th October 1953. He was ordained priest on 11th July, 1981, appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Onitsha on 9th November 2001 and ordained Bishop on 9th February 2002.
He became the substantive Archbishop of Onitsha on 1st September, 2003.
Bishop Ezeokafor in his condolence to Bishop Kukah, expressed sadness over the death of his mother, Mrs. Kukah.
In his condolence message, Bishop Ezeokafor enjoined Bishop Kukah, priests, religious and the entire lay faithful of Sokoto Diocese to take solace in the fact that late Madam Kukah lived a fulfilled life and for giving the Universal Church a son to serve in the Lord’s vineyard.
He also prayed for the quick repose of her soul, even as he asked God to grant her an eternal rest.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
