Pope's Day as celebrated at The Apostolic Nunciature Abuja

Pope's Day

In a very unique twist of fate in the hierarchy of  the Catholic Church, a sitting pope resigned and an 'outsider' came in.  Popes of different eras shaped and reinforced the dogmatic teachings of the church. That is, until these recent years, the faithful and in fact the whole world witnessed the gradual transformation of whoever was the pontiff at the helm of such era - from Pope John XXIII - into 'just a regular guy' - trying to reach out to the restless and cynical worldly creatures. A very tough call indeed for rigid and rigorous teachings for implementation as handed down from St. Peter to the present-day disciples - imagine coping in a forever changing mores and undefinitive values!

It is no longer just in the confines of a confessional box nor a fiery sermon at the pulpit; rather it is the actual interaction within the real world as seen through the eyes of the 'disillusioned and unbelieving' believers. Trying to plant the seeds of spirituality in an arid land where comfort, commercialism and capitalism steadfastly reigns and reins - body and soul.

As the scholarly Pope Benedict XVI (and beloved in his own right) stepped down, Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen on April 13, 2013 to fill in his shoes - the first Jesuit pope since the Society of Jesus was founded nearly 500 years ago - on which we are commemorating his first year of ascendancy to the throne.

That alone is a clear indication of a very huge sculpturing of the church.  Pope Francis as he is now known IS the embodiment of his society's teachings - that of his namesake St. Francis of Assisi. - the symbol for peace, austerity and poverty; the reformation of the church begins with the reformation of the individual.

The world is so much aware of the huge influence of Pope Francis. And as the celebration for the Pope's day commenced, we joined hands in prayer for Pope Francis to succeed in uplifting and giving dignity to the poor - temporally and spiritually. In this vein, the Apostolic Nuncio hosted a reception at the Apostolic Nunciature, Abuja on Marchb 13, 2014.

Excerpt from the speech of the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, also the Holy See's Permanent Observer at the ECOWAS...
...'The choice of the name 'Francis of Assisi' the patron saint of the poor, the motto
."Miserando atque eligendo' (referring to those words of St. Bede the Venerable: meaning that Looking at him with love and compassion he chose him) anticipate the programme of the pontificate of this former Archbishop of Buenos Aires, in Argentina. Those nearest to him say that Pope Francis behaves like a Franciscan but he thinks like a Jesuit. His first Encyclical Letter 'the Light of Faith' and the first Pontifical Exhortation "The Joy of the Gospel' as well as his homilies reveal a POPE and a PASTOR with great zeal and passion for social justice and for a new evangelization. In his simple language and humble  behaviour, Pope Francis strongly rejects the globalization or the culture of indifference to the poor and the 'throw away mentality.'...
The Papal Nuncio went on to acknowledge the presence of all the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria representing 54 dioceses, and thanked all the dignitaries of the stàte, the diplomatic corps and international organizations, the civil and the military authorities and all the guests. He extended his deep appreciation to the Apostolic Nunciature personnel and the chapel's choir and all the friends who rendered support for the success of the occasion.

Photos from the event:

...receptionists... Otie Barraquias, Claire and Sr. Aurea; OSA fathers as they arrived; Rev. fr. Juan Antonio

...Tess Azarcon and a beaming guest and Clifford of the Philippine Embassy

The Papal Nuncio addressing the diplomats and guests; State Minister delivering her speech

Toast As proposed by the Papal Nuncio:

'I wish to propose a toast in honour of the Holy Father Pope Francis and for the good health and success of his universal mission; to the excellent relations between Nigeria and the Holy See; to His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Good luck Where Jonathan and to the Nigerian people for their prosperity and peace.'

H. E. Arch. Kasujja proposing the traditional toast for the occasion

Prof. Viola Onwuliri proposing a toast

Diplomats absorbing  the essence of the occasion...

Minister of State I, MFA, Prof. Viola Onwuliri

Members of the diplomatic corps having a taste of the dishes.

At the table....sampling the sumptuous dishes prepared especially for this event

Dinnertime

....desserts

...wife of the Portuguese ambassador with Vicky Ukpanah; Tess and Sr. Aurea

Mr. Burghard Brinks Meyer of the German Embassy with the Papal Nuncio; Msgr. John; ambassadors conferring...

Guests enjoying dinner

Vicky of the Portuguese Embassy; Sr. Josephine

Vangie and Otie

The Back Story
The OFWS (Overseas Filipino Workers) with their inherent trait of extending help cheerfully.

The OFWS (overseas Filipino workers) taking charge behind the scenes

....the lovely ladies members of the church choir also helping in the reception...; and another gentleman with Mr. Wilmar Dadia

OFWS Nonits and Dorothy, Sherwin, Wilmar,Msgr. John, Sheen, Gina, Tess, Lito Sr. Agnes and Fr. Raymond

The Papal Nuncio with Sherwin and Lito; Fr. Juan Antonio

 

The OFWS bidding Nuncio and Fr. Juan Antonio and guests goodnight - via group picture.