APRIL 2011 This month of April 2011 marks a time of rejoicing, of anticipation, of hopes and aspirations, of spiritual renewals and rebirths. Here in Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, people are hoping to have a fair and free elections – not just the battle-cry of long-ago politicians but the aspirations of the citizens who want a better Nigeria. And so it was. And as it is, Jonathan gives a new meaning to Goodluck, the president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Lenten Season also gave the believers the chance to review ones relationship with the Creator. Reception in the Apostolic Nunciature: The Pope’s Day celebrated on the 14th of April 2011 In between the hectic schedule in preparation for the Holy Week, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja hosted a reception to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the election of the 265th pope, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI elected on the 19th of April 2005 whose 84th birthday incidentally fell on the 16th of April. Pope Benedict is the immediate successor of Pope John Paul II whose beatification will be on the 1st of May. The occasion was graced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Martin Uhomoibli, His Grace Archbishop Felix A. Job of Ibadan, President of the CBCN, His Grace Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Vice-President of CBCN, His Grace, the Archbishop of Abuja, Mr. Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada, H.E. Mr. Mahamane Ousmane, former President of Niger, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, H.E. Ms. Robin Carnahan, Secretary of State of Missouri, USA the Hon. Mr Alojz Peterle, Chief Observer, European Union Election Observation Mission and Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations. The celebration was marked by a moment’s silence to remember the passing of H.E. Ernesto Domingos Kimba, Ambassador of Angola and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. In his Excellency’s address, he emphasized the call of Pope Benedict XVI ‘to renew the commitment to building a world where all are free to profess their religion or faith’ without restrictions and denounced the systematic violation of the fundamental right to religious freedom; he advocated against what he called ‘Christophobia’ based on the growing secularism or on religious fanaticism and marginalization of minorities. ‘ Archbishop Kasujja reiterated further the Pope’s continuous call to reconciliation between faith, reason and spirituality – for, one is not opposed to the other; and his insistence on recourse to diplomatic action and dialogue instead of warfare to achieve permanent justice, democracy and true freedom. And rightfully he summed it all: every armed conflict leaves behind loss of lives and indelible psychological and physical scars. The pictures below showed the very enjoyable evening at the reception.  | 
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