By Chinenye Dike
The Catholic Diocese of Enugu erupted in joy and celebration on November 22, 2024, as His Grace, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, made his historic visit to the Diocese. The occasion was marked by a rich display of faith, gratitude, and profound reflections on the global mission of the Catholic Church.
Welcomed with fanfare and heartfelt addresses, Archbishop Crotty began his homily with a reminder of the century-old missionary bridge between his homeland, Ireland, and Nigeria. “Over a hundred years ago, Irish missionaries braved the unknown to bring the Gospel here,” he said. “Today, the fruits of their labor bloom as Nigerian missionaries now spread the Good News across the globe.”
This transformation, the Archbishop proclaimed, is a living testament to the Catholic Church’s universal mission and the fulfillment of Christ’s call to evangelize
Archbishop Crotty’s visit coincided with the feast of St. Cecilia, a revered martyr whose life and sacrifice inspired his powerful homily. Reflecting on her steadfast love for Christ even unto death, he issued a bold call to the faithful: “St. Cecilia’s life challenges us to embrace spiritual martyrdom—dying to self and living fully for Christ. Can we, like her, love Christ enough to make the ultimate sacrifice?”
He further expounded on the day’s reading from the Book of Revelation, interpreting the symbolic act of “eating the scroll” as a mandate for believers to internalize the Word of God. “Chew it, digest it, and let it transform your heart,” he urged, drawing a connection to the Eucharist as the embodiment of God’s Word.
The Diocese, under the leadership of Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, showcased its strides in faith formation and education. In a stirring welcome address delivered by The Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie, the Diocese highlighted its contributions to holistic education, including the establishment of Godfrey Okoye University, a crown jewel of Catholic education in the region.
“We owe much to the Irish missionaries who laid the foundation for what we celebrate today,” Fr. Agubuchie noted, expressing the Diocese’s gratitude to Pope Francis for appointing Archbishop Crotty.
The Apostolic Nuncio was presented with symbolic gifts as a token of appreciation, cementing the visit as a milestone in the Diocese’s history.
In his vote of thanks, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, painted the visit as a “homecoming of faith,” likening Archbishop Crotty’s arrival to harvesting the seeds planted by his Irish forebears. “Your presence here is a testament to the enduring faith they nurtured. We are honored to welcome you to the spiritual heart of Southern Nigeria,” he said.
Bishop Obodo called attention to Enugu’s unique position as a hub of faith, education, and culture, urging the Nuncio to return and experience more of its rich heritage.
As the celebration concluded, Archbishop Crotty’s words lingered: a challenge to love Christ with abandon, to embrace sacrifice, and to let the Word of God take root in every aspect of life.
This visit, marked by its celebration of faith’s legacy and vision for the future, reaffirmed Enugu Diocese as a beacon of hope and an integral part of the Catholic Church’s global mission.
For the faithful of Enugu and beyond, the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit was more than a ceremonial event—it was a moment of spiritual renewal and a rallying cry to live out their faith with fervor and conviction.
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