Kafanchan Catholic Diocese gets new Bishop

Fr. Julius Kundi was on Thursday ordained and installed as the second Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Kundi was until his appointment by Pope Francis in December 2019 a priest of the Diocese of Zaria.
Speaking at the consecration, held at the Kafanchan Township Stadium, the President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Augustine Akubeze, charged the new bishop to consolidate on the good works of his predecessor.
Akubueze said: “Bishop Kundi, you are consecrated to lead the people of God like a Shepherd after the heart of Christ.
“As you assume office, we wish you good luck and success and as a Bishop, know that your brother Bishops are always there to help you.
“If you have any serious pastoral challenges, you can consult any of us for help and guidance.”
Akubeze called on priests in Kafanchan Diocese to give the new Bishop all the cooperation and support he needed to move the Diocese forward.
He encouraged the entire faithful of Kafanchan Diocese not to lose hope, even in the face of persecution, saying the church grows faster in times of persecution.
He said: “We know you are living in a difficult time and place and we know that your faith is being challenged by those who do not want diversity of religious beliefs.
“We know you are facing persecution, but let me tell you that the church grows faster during the time of persecution.
“The more you persecute the church, the faster you spread the gospel.”
According to Akubeze, Christians must show love to both those that wish them well and those who persecute them, adding that violence does not lead to peace.
He said: “We are messengers of peace and not violence.
“Let all Christians remember that we are not to become violent.
“We must develop the attitude of self defence, which is a command of natural law, but we must never be the aggressors because violence does not lead to peace.”
In his remarks, the new Bishop pledged to do everything within his power to ensure peace in his domain.
The consecration of the new Bishop, which was carried out by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Antonio Filipazzi, saw prominent Nigerians from different walks of life in attendance.
NAN reports that Bishop Kundi replaces the late Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, who died in 2018 after serving for over two decades.