CBCN Meeting: Senator Umeh felicitates with Catholic Bishops

The immediate past Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has extended his warm felicitations to the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) holding its Second Plenary Meeting in Enugu.

The former lawmaker who was present with his wife, Prisca, alongside other prominent Nigerians at the opening mass for the meeting of the Catholic Bishops, urged them to come up with resolutions that will help offer remedies to the various societal challenges in the country.

Umeh, a devoted Catholic with the Papal Knighthood of St. Sylvester, awarded to individuals in appreciation of their personal service to the Roman Catholic Church, said: “On Sunday August 22, I joined in the Opening Mass of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu, on Sunday.

“Accompanied by my wife, Lady Prisca Umeh LSJI, I joined Vice President Yemi Osibanjo (represented), Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and other worshippers present at the Mass in congratulating the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for the portentous gathering, wishing them fruitful deliberations.

“The ceremony presided by the Papal Nuncio, Antonio Guido Filipazzi had the participation of the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops of Nigeria who had gathered to make tectonic decisions for the church and the society at large.

“While we look on to healthy and humane resolutions, especially one that proffers solution to many challenges of the present-day human society, I, on behalf of my wife and children, wish you all a blissful and successful Conference.”

Other eminent personalities at the ceremony include the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, erstwhile Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, former Minister of Aviation, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, represented by the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Kaduna, Most Rev. Buba Ali Lamido, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya and other members of the State Executive Council.

The CBCN, which is the Catholic Episcopal Conference, was incorporated on March 15, 1958, as the organ of unity, communion and solidarity for the millions of Catholics spread across the thirty six states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to information available on the CBCN’s website, “It (CBCN) is the forum wherein the collegiality of the Nigerian Catholic Bishops, as successors of the Apostles in union with the Pope, is expressed and where the idea of the Church as family is signified. Through the Conference, the archbishops and bishops of the 54 ecclesiastical jurisdictions, as shepherds of souls in their archdioceses and dioceses, are able to pray together, study together, and work together; and with one voice, are able to speak and spearhead the teaching, prophetic and pastoral ministry of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

“The plenary session of the Conference is held twice a year, for prayer, study and deliberations on important issues concerning the evangelizing mission of the Church in Nigeria, the pastoral care of the faithful, and the promotion of human dignity, human rights, truth, justice, reconciliation, peace and wholesome development in the wider society.”

The CBCN is one of the religious groups of clergymen that have been promoters and advocates of peace and unity in the country, and have contributed greatly to the strengthening and sustenance of democratic governance, as can be seen in the many positions it has taken on matters of national importance. In fact, the body of Catholic Bishops has never hesitated to speak truth to power and use its prophetic voice to call out governments with authoritarian and dictatorial tendencies and not serving the interest of the citizens.