Yesterday at the Vatican, Peter Okpalaeke, Bishop of Ekwulobia, was installed as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Francis.
That effectively made him a Prince of the Global Catholic Church and one of the few who take part in the conclave that produces a new Pope. He is the 5th Nigerian ever to become a Cardinal. The first 4 were Cardinals Dominic Ekandem (late), Francis Arinze, Anthony Okogie and John Onaiyekan.
Peter Okpalaeke, from Anambra State, was named Bishop of Ahiara Diocese in Imo State, some couple of years ago. His appointment was flatly rejected by the Mbaise Catholic Community who make up that Diocese. It was an unprecedented and open challenge to the authority of the Pope as the Mbaise Catholic Community put their feet down and insisted that a son of their Diocese be made their Bishop or someone from the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province. According to them, they would not accept any person from the old Onitsha Archdiocese as their Bishop in what they described as a clear pattern to foist Priests from outside their land on them, orchestrated by another Cardinal at the Vatican.
Mbaise is a very powerful Catholic community in Nigeria and is believed to have the largest number of Catholic Priests in West Africa.
The Pope tried to intervene to no avail. Peter Okpalaeke was never allowed to enter the Cathedral for one day. His enthronment as Bishop took place outside Mbaise land. He never for one day exercised the authority as Bishop of Ahiara.
The situation persisted until the man was eventually removed as Bishop of Ahiara Diocese. He was later named Bishop of Ekwulobia by the Pope.
His appointment as a Cardinal by the Pope is seen by many as a recompense for the rejection and embarrassments he suffered then. And for his calmness, patience and loyalty to the Pope. This is possible because he is relatively a young Bishop. There are several Bishops and Archbishops older and more experienced than he is.
From a rejected Bishop to a Cardinal of the global Catholic Church!
Meanwhile, Ahiara Diocese is yet to get an indigenous Bishop which the people wanted. Infact, there is no resident Bishop of Ahiara today. They are currently under the supervision of the now Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Lucious Iwejuru Ugorji. He was Bishop of Umuahia at the time of his appointment to supervise Ahiara Diocese.
The lessons?
Don't kill yourself when certain rejections happen. Take them calmly and move on.
If Okpalaeke successfully took over as Bishop of Ahiara then, if he was fully accepted by the people, I am certain that he wouldn't have become a Cardinal today. He is the first Nigerian Bishop to become a Cardinal without being an Archbishop first.
Trust God in your life's journey. Whatever God has prepared for you will eventually come to you. Nothing can change it. It's only a matter of time and it will even be bigger and better when it will come. This is a fact.
Congratulations to His Eminece, Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke.
Otito Dili Jesu...
Na ndu ebebe.
Happy Sunday everyone.
Onyebuchi Ememamaka
Comments
Post a Comment