Tejiri Ebikeme/Nyerhovwo Oghenetejiri
Warri Diocese of Catholic Church is set to host Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Sunday, September 14 through to Wednesday, September 18, 2014 in Warri just as the Conference is the climax of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Diocese.
This was disclosed by Bishop John O. Afareha, Bishop, Warri Diocese, Catholic Church at a press conference in Effurun, he said that preparation for the Conference has afforded the Diocese as a local church in Warri the opportunity to embark on so many monumental projects that would eventually stand the test of time.
Bishop Afareha further disclosed that the Bishops would be coming into town as from Thursday, September 11, 2014 and they would hold interactive session with the Superiors of all Religious Congregations in Nigeria on Friday, September 12, 2014 adding that on Saturday, the Bishops would take a break to prepare for the opening ceremony that will take place at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri on Sunday, September 14, 2014.
Bishop Afareha said that immediately after the mass, the Bishops shall proceed to the Bishop’s Court, Enerhen Road, Effurun where a gigantic conference centre primarily put in place for the Conference to host the Conference, adding, “in the evening, the Bishops shall move to the Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun for the vesters and Benediction. Usually there are two sessions daily; morning and evening. As the Conference climaxes, the Bishops will on Wednesday make a pastoral visit in about six groups to six parishes within Warri metropolis and at the closing mass on Thursday, September 18, 2014 a communiqué will be read.”
The Bishop of Warri Diocese further noted that the Conference will deliberate on the report of the just concluded National Confab, adding, “Bishops Conference will therefore deliberate on the aftermath of the National Conference. This is because at the first plenary, the Conference gave her nod for the National Confab. And as Nigeria move towards 2015 general elections, policies, campaigns must conform to democratic standards. The Bishops therefore have a voice to render in this regard. Consequently at this Conference, issues affecting the State would be discussed. And of course issues affecting the Church will equally be discussed. The gains of this Conference therefore, are numerous both for the country and the Church. More specifically, the local church.”
While expressing delight for being given the onerous task of hosting the Bishops Conference, the Bishop of Warri Diocese said that Warri Diocese at inception in March 10, 1964 with eight parishes and about ten priests now have about 120 priests and close to 115 parishes excluding Mass Centre and outstations
