The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, on Thursday, was agog on Saturday when Pope Francis bestowed Papal Knighthood on 19 faithful of the Church.
The investiture was performed by the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, on behalf of the Pope.
Speaking during the mass to celebrate the ceremony, which attracted friends, family members and the archdiocesan faithful, Archbishop Ndagoso said: “we are proud to announce that Pope Francis has today bestowed Papal Honours upon 19 individuals for their dedication and contributions to the life and mission of the church.”
The Archbishop urged the awardees to use their gifts for common good of the society.
“Use your gifts for common good, we are all gifted in many ways, whatever talent you have, put it for the service of God and humanity,” he added.
He also urged Nigerians to use their resources for common good, adding that there was an urgent need for people to rise up and help one another.
He lamented that Nigerians were in a very difficult time, adding that average an Nigerian barely eats two square meals a day.
“Our biggest challenge as a church leader is that Nigerians are going hungry because the resources that are meant for social use are not put in proper places.
“Nigerians have no business being poor or begging for food, but Nigerians are poor because the resources meant for the people are being pocketed by our politicians.
“There are some politicians who are richer than their States. Our government should rise up and do the needful,” Archbishop Ndagoso added.
At the occasion, Rev Monsignor Emmanuel Abiriyi and Rev Monsignor Emmanuel Kure were honoured as the Chaplain of his Holiness, while Barr. Anthony Iroagalachi, Mr. Dominic Gambo Yahaya , Joseph Omo Iyioha and Me Innocent Okpe were confered with Knights of Saint Gregory the Great.
Celestine Ike Okai, Augustine Oshie Orgah, Pat-Natson Owolabi were honoured with the Knight of Sylvester the Pope, while Hon. Lawrentia Laraba Mallam was named Dame of Gregory the Great.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourees, Dame Lawrentia Laraba Mallam, a former Minister of Environment, promised to serve God and humanity.
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