Kundi Ordained As Catholic Bishop Of Kafanchan
BY ISRAEL BULUS, KAFANCHAN – Most Rev Julius Yakubu Kundi, has been ordained as the new Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.
He takes over the seat from late Bishop Danladi Joseph Bagobiri, who died at St Gerrard Catholic hospital in Kaduna on 27th February, 2018.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev Antonio Guido Filipazzi, who consecrated and ordained the new Bishop at an event held at the New Township Stadium Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, charged Kundi to lead the Church with the fear of God.
He said the Catholic Church in Nigeria is one body, adding that the Church remains connected and is completely dependent on the Lord Jesus.
In his words; “Neither the Bishop or anyone else should consider themselves Lords. The priests should lead as they received from Christ.”
He urged members of the Catholic Church and the people in general to support the new Bishop through prayers.
In his remarks, the new Bishop, Most Rev Julius Yakubu Kundi, said he feel grossly inadequate to replace late Bishop Danlami Joseph Bagobiri, describing him as a fearless, eloquent and advocate of social justice.
According to him, giving to the general yearnings of Southern Kaduna today, it is hard to find a replacement of a great charismatic personality in the calibre of the late, adding that his memories still resonates in the heart of the Southern Kaduna people.
Kundi said; “As someone, who was an eloquent speaker with a sweet voice in an excellent manner and someone the history of Southern Kaduna can never be complete without putting him in his right place, he was an advocate of social justice and passionate for social development.
“Although, some people consider him as controversial, majority consider him as one who meant well for the geographical jurisdiction of Southern Kaduna. Because of his radical opposition against all structures of injustice against the people of Southern Kaduna, made him become both a spiritual leader and a political advocate.”
“As a spiritual leader, he led his people to God and as a political advocate, he protected his people against the action of cezer. We shall forever remain grateful for all his sacrifices and the numerous accomplishments he made to the Church and Southern Kaduna all through his life as our first Catholic Bishop.” Kundi said.
The new Bishop said that the vacuum Bagobiri left is a big challenge adding that the majority of the people will expect a powerful replacement of a powerful leader, charismatic Man of God.
Kundi said he is trusting God totally to provide the grace for the responsibility ahead, but called on the Church to pray for him to achieved greatness in the discharge of his duties.
“The attacks ongoing on the farm lands of Southern Kaduna is worrisome. The contentious issues of politics in Southern Kaduna has grossly affected the faith and wounded the relationship we have enjoy with people from other faiths.
“My journey as the new Catholic Bishop is to offer you love, encouragement, hope, vision and spiritual empowerment so that you live a better life in dignity, and prosperity, ” Kundi said.
The President, Chatholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev Augustine Akubeze in his goodwil message, congratulated the new Bishop saying; “As you assume office, we wish you well and if you have any pastoral challenges you can consult anyone of us for advised.
“We know you’re living in a difficult time and in a difficult place. We know that your faith is being challenge by those who don’t want diversity of religion to exist and we also know that you’re facing persecution. The Church grow faster during the time of persecution. The more you persecute the Church, the faster the gospel spread,” Akubeze said while reminding the Catholics faithful to know that they are ambassadors of peace.
