The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Kukah yesterday dedicates St. Edward Catholic Church Gusau and declares it a Parish in Gusau deanery.
Bishop Kukah who visited Gusau for Cathedraticum administered the sacrament of Confirmation to about 200 candidates in Gusau deanery and also installed Lectors.
In his homily, Bishop Kukah said we are beneficiaries of the blessing of seeds planted by the missionaries especially the dominican order, so rather than think of ourselves, we should think about the times of the missionaries who preceded us and worked in this area when times and weathers were not favorable.
"we gather to count our blessings and remind ourselves of all the good things the lord has done for us."
He reminded the faithful of the saying that "the blood of matyrs is the seed of christianity". The Bishop said "we christians must learn to take persecutions whatever shape or form it comes with enough confidence that the God we worship is a God whose supremacy is often expressed in ways and manners that we don't understand".
He said that from the debris of St. Theresa Catholic Church Madalla(Bombed on Christmas day, 2011 by Muslim extremist group), five new churches has been born between 2011 and today.
"We do not beg for persecution but we remind ourselves that the one that we worship is the one who ended up on the cross and who has given us a completely different way of looking at suffering".
Bishop Kukah urged the faithful to trust in God in times of needs and approach the altar in the church to pray to a God who hears and sees all things.
The Dean of Gusau Deanery, Rev. Fr. Cyril Ibeh appreciated the Bishop for his strategic plan in the Diocese and the many projects he has completed since his installation. He thanked the parishioners in Gusau deanery for continually supporting the Bishop and encourage more.
Rev. Fr. Iliya Ibrahim, Parish Priest of St. Edward, in his vote of thanks said as the first ordinands of Bishop Kukah Episcopacy, he is the most favored priest in the diocese. He expressed his delight to the Bishop for being a Father to him and the faithful of St. Edward.
He also thanked the Parishioners of St. Edward Catholic Church for their support and contribution towards the ceremony of the church dedication and parish affairs.
In his remark, Bishop Kukah appreciated Sir Raymond who over the years has facilitated the acquisition and construction of the church building.
He also thanked Frs. Raymond & Tukura who have contributed greatly over the years to the progress of the project and growth of the church in Gusau.
More Photos below (Click to enlarge)
