CBCN, Papal Knights extends warm welcome to new apostolic Nuncio

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria have warmly welcomed the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Cotty, with a grand reception held in Abuja.

Leading the reception team was the CBCN Vice President, Archbishop Mathew Man’oso Ndagoso, who was joined by the National President of the Papal Knights and Medalists, Sir Steve Adehi SAN, Kcss, along with the
President of the Kaduna Province, Dame Amina Yakowa.

Together, they represented the Catholic leadership in Nigeria in an event that showcased unity and reverence for the church’s mission.

To mark Archbishop Cotty’s arrival symbolically, members of the association attended his First Mass, an event that highlighted the significance of this transition for the Catholic community in Nigeria.

Described as a monumental moment for Catholics across the country, the gathering signaled a new era of spiritual engagement and connection under Archbishop Cotty’s leadership.

During the Mass, which included the attendance of national officers and a number of Papal Knights and Medalists, Archbishop Cotty delivered a homily based on the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man healed by Jesus. In his message, he urged the faithful to seek God earnestly and persistently, even when faced with discouragement.

Expressing his gratitude for his new role, Archbishop Cotty noted the strong historical bond between Nigeria and Irish missionaries. He pledged to travel to various dioceses across Nigeria to meet with and support Catholic communities nationwide.

The event was enriched with hymns from the church choir and traditional dances performed by the congregation, infusing the occasion with a sense of cultural and spiritual celebration.

In a related gesture, the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists reaffirmed their commitment to charitable works by donating N5 million to the Diocese of Maiduguri. This contribution aims to provide relief for individuals displaced by recent flooding in Borno State. Additionally, the group gifted 200 hymn books to the Maiduguri Cathedral.

Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri Diocese expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the association’s generosity, invoking God’s blessings and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary on all members of the group.