By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye,
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna Archdiocese, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso has said that the coronavirus pandemic has brought to humanity that the world is global village which which depends on each other.
He made the remarks during the installation ceremony of Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya Audu, as the new Archbishop of Jos Archdiocese on Tuesday at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Jos.
Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya Audu was recently appointed to take over from Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama who was seconded to Abuja Archdiocese by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
The bishop who disclosed the reason why the low turn out, it is due to the pandemic of coronavirus pandemic also known as COVID-19.
He said the Church in her nature is obedient, and collaborators to the government in proffering solution to the disease that has so ravaged the world, hence the instructions of the government directing social distancing and gathering of persons not more than 20 persons was duly adhered to avoid the spread if the disease.
He however noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought home the reality of the world being a global village. In his words; “This has shown us in no uncertain terms, how interconnected and dependent we are upon each other and the fact is that no country is an island”.
In this regard he said; their is the need to work harder for the strengthening of the universal bond of brother/sisterhood in our global village, adding that in order to step ahead of this invisible enemy, we need to work together as a global village that will be able to defeat this dreaded enemy.
According to him, this is the time to stick together, help each other, to be our brothers/sisters keepers and especially our political leaders have to work together with researchers and scientists to find not only cure but also a vaccine soonest.
While admonishing the new Archbishop; he stated that the justice he is expected to bring is not for only Catholics, COCIN, ECWA, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Muslim or Jewish, but God justice. This he noted mean, you are the Archbishop for all regardless of tribe, religion and political affiliation.
He reminded all that Catholic Priests or priests in general should not reduce themselves to being local or tribal champion, but rather their leadership should be all encompassing and all inclusive.
According to him, the temptation for Bishops and Priests especially, in the situations of ethnic and so-called religious conflicts to assume the position of tribal or ethnic champions is wrong and condemnable.
In his valedictory speech, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdioceses, Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama has ask for forgiveness if in the cause of Shepherding the flocks of Jos Archdiocese, he failed in any area as a human being. He prayed God to forgive him and those who felt offended by his words and actions to also to forgive him.
According to him, “All I did for Jos Archdiocese as Archbishop and lately as Apostolic Administrator, was in the best interest of progress, harmony and growth in the spiritual, pastoral and social spheres”.
The installation of the new Archbishop of Jos, was a low key because of the outbreak of the coronavirus which has restricted the number of participants to fifty as permitted by the Government of Plateau State, he said.
“For those who were happy with my decisions and pastoral initiatives, please continue to be happy and for some who were offended or hurt by my pastoral decisions, may God bring you healing and relief.
He said, his members of the family of God in the Archdiocese of Jos were loyal and supportive of all projects: pastoral, educational, medical, social, among others, and pray that their modest achievements will be improved upon in the years to come with their new pastoral leadership.
Most Rev. Kaigama stated that the wonderful people of Jos Archdiocese have been a solid pillar of support and encouragement to him, but prayed that this new phase under the leadership of Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu be characterized by greater development, peace, understanding and unity in the Archdiocese and indeed in the entire Ecclesiastical Province of Jos.
Archbishop Kaigama further, extend his appreciation to the past and present Governors of the State whose collaboration and support he said he really enjoyed: Gov. Joshua Dariye, Gov. Jonah David Jang and now, Gov. Simon Bako Lalong.
“They all supported my work of Inter- Religious dialogue and the search for peace and harmony between Muslim and Christians and among ethnic groups in the state.
On his part, the New Catholic Archbishop of Jos Archdiocese in his speech said, Christians and Muslims are living together, because we are created by the same God. We worship the same God. We all call God our father, and assured all the Muslim Umamah in the state that his heart and doors are open to all, for a healthy and good interaction for the good of Plateau State.
He said, CAN is not a pressure group, not a trade Union or a rival or antagonist to government, but an advising body, adding that, we have moral to criticise the government when it is not doing well, but we must do such in a constructive manner hoping she will hid to us and return to the right part of her responsibilities.
While assuring the Religious, Priests, and Lay faithful of his enduring support and blessings, he solicited their cooperation and support to enable him do his best in service of God and humanity.