The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis 1, has deployed John Cardinal
Onaiyekan to take over administration of Mbaise Catholic Diocese immediately.
According to a statement by the Vatican, Cardinal Onaiyekan will take
charge of the troubled diocese, pending determination of the fate of Bishop
Peter Okpalaeke, who was rejected by most of the priests and laity in Ahiara
Diocese.
Since the Vatican announced the name of Monsignor Peter Okpalaeke and
his eventual consecration as the new Bishop of the Diocese, the area had
remained turbulent and polarized.
Vanguard recalls that the ensuing schism had created factions within the
clergy and laity, as there exists those who are for and against the appointment
of Okpalaeke as the new Bishop.
The traditional rulers from the three local council areas of Maise are
divided over the appointment and consecration Okpalaeke.
Confirming the development in an interview, the Director of
Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu,
prayed for return of peace to the doubled Diocese.
“John Cardinal Onaiyekan is expected to take charge, as well as
undertake all bishopric duties, as well as help in calming frayed nerves among
the warring factions,” Fr. Nwachukwu said.
It was not too clear at press time what would happen to Bishop
Okpalaeke, even as it was not clear how long Onaiyekan would remain in Mbaise
in the discharge of his current assignment.
Fr. Nwachukwu, however, revealed that the Pope appoints an apostolic
administrator when a See was vacant.
0 comments:
Post a Comment