Apologize In Thirty Days, Pope Francis Tell Ahiara Priests
VATICAN -Yesterday the Holy Father received a Delegation of the Diocese of Ahiara, Nigeria, in a private Audience, which has been living a painful situation for years.
In his speech, the Pope berated those who in whatever way had 'scandalized the church'.
Saying that he would not be indifferent to the situation, he likened those behind it as the biblical tenants trying to deny the son of his inheritance.
While commending the victimized Bishop Okpaleke for what he described as his holy humility and patience, he asked that well written apology be presented by all priest of Ahiara Diocese before July 9. Anybody that refuses to so do, loses his office.
His words, "Therefore, I ask that every priest or ecclesiastic incardinated in the Diocese of Ahiara, whether he resides there or works elsewhere, even abroad, write a letter addressed to me in which he asks for forgiveness; all must write individually and personally."
The meeting, characterized by dialogue and listening, ended with a prayer to Mary and the Pope's blessing.
It would be recalled that the Diocese of Ahiara had been engulfed in crisis since the appointment of the Anambra borne Peter Okpaleke as its bishop. The indigenous priests had staged a protest on the grouse that he is not from amongst them.
All effort to make them understand that it is the church position fell on deaf ear, leading to series of protests that sometimes involved police arrests.
Bishop Okpaleke was appointed by the emeritus Pope Benedict XI in 2012.
The members of the Delegation were accompanied by His Eminence Cardinal J. O. Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja and Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara, His Excellency A. J. Obinna, Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, I. A. Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos and President of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria, His Excellency P. E. Okpaleke, Bishop of Ahiara.
Also Cardinal Secretary of State, the Prefect and Superiors of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples were also present as well as Reverend Fathers C. O. Ebii, J. N. Uwalaka and U. I. Olekamma, Sister B. O. Ezeyi and S.A.R.P Iwu, Traditional Head, on behalf of the religious and lay faithful.
In his speech, the Pope berated those who in whatever way had 'scandalized the church'.
Saying that he would not be indifferent to the situation, he likened those behind it as the biblical tenants trying to deny the son of his inheritance.
While commending the victimized Bishop Okpaleke for what he described as his holy humility and patience, he asked that well written apology be presented by all priest of Ahiara Diocese before July 9. Anybody that refuses to so do, loses his office.
His words, "Therefore, I ask that every priest or ecclesiastic incardinated in the Diocese of Ahiara, whether he resides there or works elsewhere, even abroad, write a letter addressed to me in which he asks for forgiveness; all must write individually and personally."
The meeting, characterized by dialogue and listening, ended with a prayer to Mary and the Pope's blessing.
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| Pope Francis |
It would be recalled that the Diocese of Ahiara had been engulfed in crisis since the appointment of the Anambra borne Peter Okpaleke as its bishop. The indigenous priests had staged a protest on the grouse that he is not from amongst them.
All effort to make them understand that it is the church position fell on deaf ear, leading to series of protests that sometimes involved police arrests.
Bishop Okpaleke was appointed by the emeritus Pope Benedict XI in 2012.
The members of the Delegation were accompanied by His Eminence Cardinal J. O. Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja and Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara, His Excellency A. J. Obinna, Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, I. A. Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos and President of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria, His Excellency P. E. Okpaleke, Bishop of Ahiara.
Also Cardinal Secretary of State, the Prefect and Superiors of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples were also present as well as Reverend Fathers C. O. Ebii, J. N. Uwalaka and U. I. Olekamma, Sister B. O. Ezeyi and S.A.R.P Iwu, Traditional Head, on behalf of the religious and lay faithful.
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