It was a joyful celebration as the Priests at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Abuja, manifested their love to His Grace, Most Rev Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso, the Archbishop of Kaduna Catholic Diocese, and the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, as he celebrates his 40th Priestly anniversary, at the CSN Resource Center. In the same vein, they appreciated their brother Priests, Frs. Dominic Michael Umo, and Michael Imhadonmwinyi, who celebrated their birthdays on the 2nd and 4th of October.
The dinner party started with an opening prayer said by Fr. Boniface Idoko, who in appreciation to God for his faithful love to his Grace for these 40 years of being a priest, prayed for more renewal of strength and vigour in the Lord’s vineyard. Fr. Nicholas Djebah coordinated the cutting of the Jubilee and Birthday cakes.
Fr. Michael Banjo, the Secretary General of CSN in his noble speech expressed the sentiments of the clergy by thanking God for his many graces to the Archbishop for these 40 years of being a priest, reminding him that his Ruby jubilee is the Celebration of Gods faithfulness and his positive response to God for over four decades, celebrating the Eucharist with other sacraments, and winning souls for Christ. He also thanked Frs. Dom and Mike for their immense contributions towards the growth and mission of CSN.
In appreciation to His Grace for his 40th priestly anniversary, the CSN family, offered him a beautiful holy picture of the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.
The Archbishop in his response, thanked the Priests living at the Catholic Secretariat for their show of love despite of the fact that he was not expecting any such celebration. He said it was a pleasant surprise. He thanked Fr. Banjo, the Secretary General, and the Priests at the Catholic Secretariat for the excellent work they are doing at the Secretariat. He reminded them that their togetherness is a great symbol that should be cherished always, since Christ Jesus taught his disciples so many things during meals.
The celebration came to a happy end with the closing prayer said by Fr. Leonard Ehiemere, and the final blessing was given by the Archbishop.
