Catholics mark 50th Memorial Anniversary of 1st African Archbishop of Lagos

Catholic Priests gathered in Lagos to mark the 50th Memorial Anniversary of first African Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. John Aggey.

At the event, the Episcopal Vicar of Archdiocese of Lagos, Very Reverend Monsignor Bernard Okodua urged Christians to emulate his life of humility by always obeying the will of God.

He described Archbishop Aggey whom he said promoted local clergy, as a simple and humble man of God who impacted the lives of the people within his seven years as an archbishop, urging the present-day clergies to emulate his footsteps.

Monsignor Okodua said; ”he was simple and humble. Archbishop John Aggey was the first African to be an Archbishop of the Catholic archdiocese of Lagos, that is why we are honouring him. He was Archbishop for only seven years but created positive impact in the lives of people and promoted local clergy and was very friendly.”

The celebration was organised to honour and pay tribute to Most Rev. John Aggey and also a thanksgiving for the price Jesus paid on the cross.

The priests urged Religious leaders in Nigeria have been urged to use their faith to foster unity, harmony and peace among the people.

One of them, Monsignor Patrick Abayomi said; ”religious leaders should instill love in the heart of their followers through their messages to help create a safe society for all.”

He also called on political leaders to carry everyone along and avoid equating religion with tribalism.

Monsignor Abayomi said; ”For religion to really achieve it’s goal, it must unify, bring peace and harmony. It the duty of Religious leaders to come together and deliberate on how they can make the society more secured by preaching message of peace and unity. Political leaders should also avoid any act that is capable of bringing division among the people.”

The high points of the programme were the special thanksgiving and tributes to the late Rev. John Aggey.

Mercy Chukwudibere