APRIL 2011: PART 1 - THE POPE'S DAY

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 14^th 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 6^th anniversary of the election of the 265^th pope, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI elected on the 19^th of April 2005 whose 84^th birthday incidentally fell on the 16^th of April. Pope Benedict is the immediate successor of Pope John Paul II whose beatification will be on the 1^st 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. 

H.E.Archbishop Augustine Kasujja delivering his address during the reception held at The Nunciature for the 6th anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Proud to be Pinoys: OFWs lending a helping hand: Angie Alcaria, John Hernandez, Tess Azarcon, Nino  Herrera, Gel Llames, Efren Lim, Maebs Ronquillo, Otie Barraquias, Gilbert Bernandos, Noel Agcaoili, Sherwin Cayabyab

H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria proposing a toast

...as distinguished guests joined; ASEAN Ambassadors looked on  

Dr. Martin Uhomoibli, Perm Sec Foreign Affairs, rendering his address (above) and the Archbishops (below)

Maris and Vicki, Otie and Nonits with friend, Reverend Sisters, John, Maris, Angie, James with the Phil. Consul-General Alex V. Lamadrid

Above: Msgr. Jean-Sylvain Emien, Deputy Head Holy See Embassy (Apostolic Nunciature) with the Apostolic Nuncio and below: Preparing to cut the ceremonial cake: Former Prime Minister of Canada, H.E. Mr. Joe Clark, His Grace Archbishop Felix A. Job of Ibadan and CBCN President, the Apostolic Nuncio with the knife and Dr. and Mrs. Martin Uhomoibli

...the cake didn't have any chance...

Dinner time....

Clockwise from  left: Mr. Donald Joseph Rogers, CRS Country Representative; H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria; Dr. Nicola Bazzani, Deputy Head Italian Embassy and Mr. James McAnulty, Acting Deputy Head US embassy with Sr. Mary Grace MCST

Rounding up...

OFWS (OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS) - helping the Reverend Sisters (cooking, assisting, serving): Gilbert, Rami, Sherwin, Efren, Noel, Nino, Tickboy, Otie, Tess, John, James, Sr. Mary Grace, Khaye, Donna, Sr. Aurea, Benjie, Gilbert

Above : The entire behind-the-scene-cast after the celebrations and below the Apostolic Nuncio  with Vangie Novio and Tess Azarcon