THE Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NCDPA) has charged priests, other pastoral agents, lay faithful and all Nigerians not to despair in the face of the economic recession.
The NCDPA, at the end of its 30th annual general meeting (AGM), at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, said the Church should restore confidence and hope to her faithful and citizens.
In the communiqué signed by its national president, Very Reverend Father Sylvester Onmoke, and secretary, Reverend Father Francis Ikhianosime, the NCDPA, however, charged the citizenry to embrace prudence, modesty in living and accountability as steps to towards making the best of the economic recession.
They congratulated the Dioceses of Oshogbo, Ogoja, Shendam and Bauchi on the appointment of their new bishops, Most Reverend John Akin Oyejola; Monsignor Donatus Edet Akpan; Most Reverend Philip Davou Dung and Monsignor Hilary Dachelem, C.M.F respectively.
On the issue of Ahiara Diocese, the NCDPA said:
“During this challenging time, we call on all priests of the Diocese to give a chance to the Holy Spirit; which is the spirit of obedience (c.f. Acts 5:29) and allow “the peace of God reign in their hearts and in their palaces peace” (Cf. Col 3:15, Ps 122:7).
The AGM which held from 13-16 June, 2017 had more than 100 priests from different ecclesiastical circumscriptions of Nigeria for the gathering with the theme: The Role of the Church in a Recessed Economy.