The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Makurdi on Friday for a memorial Mass in honor of the late Pope Francis.
The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev Wilfred Anagbe, said the Mass provided an opportunity for Catholics in the Diocese who could not attend the funeral in Vatican to offer prayers for the repose of his soul and fulfill their corporal work of mercy for the dead.
In his sermon, the Vicar Pastoral of the Diocese, Rev Fr Dr Moses Iorapuu stated that Pope Francis was considered controversial because he doggedly advocated for the dignity of all human beings, inclusivity, justice, fraternity among many other values.
Fr Iorapuu maintained that Pope Francis stood for truth and was vocal against injustice where ever it happened, a situation that pitched him against some top world leaders whom he rebuked
He extolled the late Bishop of Rome’s love for the marginalized, stressing that he always felt at home whenever he could be with the poor, and he also vigorously promoted the need for leaders to feel what their followers were feeling.
The Pope’s favorite slogan was ‘smell like your sheep”, Fr Iorapuu recalled. “He was always very happy whenever he got a moment to be with the poor”
The Vicar Pastoral noted that the late Pontiff’s courageous advocacy for immigrants, displaced persons, and other marginalized groups had inspired Bishop Anagbe to speak out globally about the plight of farmers in Benue State, who are victimized by armed herders, during his recent visits to the United States and Europe.
He appealed to Religious and Political leaders never to remain silent in the face of suffering of their followers, in upholding the Pope’s legacy.
Speaking Further, Fr Iorapuu enjoined married couples to be deliberate about making their marriage work in line with Pope Francis’ call”
Remember Pope Francis used to say there are no perfect wives or husbands” Fr Iorapuu stated adding that the Pope insisted that people must go to work to build their partners into their dream partners as soon as they tie the nuptial knot
.Fr Iorapuu noted that the global outpouring of respect for the late Pope from people of all faiths and world leaders was a testament to his profound impact on the world. He also saw it as a sign of hope that the advocacy efforts he championed would continue to bear fruit, even beyond his lifetime.
