Reverend Bakeni Ordained As The First Indigenous Catholic Bishop of Borno

July 8, 2022253 views0

Reverend Bakeni Ordained As The First Indigenous Catholic Bishop of Borno

2022-07-08T14:07:48+01:00

By Church News

Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni has been ordained as the first Borno indigenous auxiliary bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese.Presiding over the Episcopal Ordination procedures and processes, the Most Rev. Antonio Gudo Filipazz, the Apostolic Nuncio of Nigeria, congratulated the new bishop and appreciated his efforts, services , dedication and commitment to God and humanity. He prayed to God to revive him as a minister of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God.The Most Reverend Antonio Filipaz 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. He said, “Whoever listens to your listens to me, and whoever rejects you, rejects me, and whoever rejects me, rejects the one who sends me.”The Apostolic Nuncio from Rome to Nigeria added that such is the perception of the Master, “The greater should behave as the least and the rulers as the servant.”“Preach the word in season and out of season; reprove with all patience and sound teaching. As you pray and offer sacrifice for the people committed to your care, devote yourself wholeheartedly to seeking every kind of grace for them from the fulness of Christ’s holiness.“In the Church entrusted to you, be a faithful steward, moderator, and guardian of the mysteries of Christ. As one chosen by the Father to rule over his family, be mindful always of the good shepherd, 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 a father and brother , love all whom 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,” Most Rev. Filipazz advised the Catholic bishop-elect, Reverend Bakeni.He also advised that the Catholic Church is not a political platform, non- governmental organisation or business venture, but a sacred religious body of Christ Jesus.ALSO READ Charlie Dates Returns to the Chicago Church that Shaped Him