A cross section of Catholic clerics have lauded His Grace, Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya-Audu, Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Jos on his 40th anniversary as a Priest.
Bishop Ishaya-Audu was ordained a priest on June 23, 1984 and made a bishop in December 2000, 16 years after his ordination.
The clerics congratulated the Bishop at an event to commemorate the bishop’s anniversary on Thursday at his village, Tudu Uku community of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the occasion, Monsignor Cletus Gotan said the celebrant had impacted positively in the lives of so many Nigerians from all walks of life in the last 40 years as a Priest.
He explained that the bishop had won so many souls for God and had also developed people spiritually from a young priest and now a bishop.
“He had joined many couples in marriage, prayed for the sick, blessed families, prayed for individuals and groups, established schools and parishes and ordained so many priests among others in the last 40 years,” he added.
On the hardship current confronting Nigerians, the man of God attributed it to the selfishness of some persons in position of authority at different levels.
“Some persons in position of governance had converted the resources made for the improvement of the welfare of all Nigerians into their personal comfort and the detriment of the people.
“Some of these leaders claimed that they are born-again, but robbing the country of every resources and hurting the poor and the weak.
“Some of them have billions of naira in foreign and domestic accounts, built houses everywhere and bought expensive cars that they cannot use throughout their lives,” he added.
He therefore, called on leaders and the followers to rethink thier values and repent and truly work toward making life better for the people they promised to serve.
Also speaking at the event, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja commended the contributions of the celebrant in winning souls for Christ as well as serving humanity.
Kaigama had also used the occasion and appeal to government to return Catholic schools that were taken over in the past.
He explained that the Catholic Church had contributed immensely in the areas of health, education and needs the necessary support and understanding from the government as they continue to serve humanity.
Also, Most Rev. David Ajang, Bishop of Lafia Diocese and the host welcomed all clerics of the church across the country as well as government officials from Nasarawa and Plateau States and other guests for gracing the occasion.
He also welcomed guests who came from different countries of the world to rejoice with the bishop on his 40 years in the vineyard of God.
He therefore said that the Catholic diocese of Lafia is happy to be associated with the celebrant who had given his whole in serving God and humanity.
On his part, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God for finding him worthy to serve him and promised to continue to dedicate the rest of his life to his calling.
The programme had in attendance Bishops from more than 13 diocese, representatives of Nasarawa and Plateau States governors among others. (NAN).