BISHOP DODO’S PASTORAL VISIT TO ST. MARY’S SAMARU

​MUSA APAGU

U12MM1050

The Catholic Bishop of Zaria Diocese, Most Rev (Dr.) George Jonathan Dodo administered the sacrament of confirmation to 152 catechumens and blessed the marriages of 19 couples on Sunday 31st July, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Samaru, Zaria.

Bishop Dodo in his homily draw the attention of the congregation to the first reading taken from the book of Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 which says that everything on earth is vanity. All the earthly possession is vanity because when one wears the garment of death, they all become useless. “When you are given a position, do what is required of you and when people accuse you, your good deeds will save you” said Bishop Dodo. He also called on the congregation to always not aspire to do things that will please them but rather do things that will please God the creator.

The renewal of baptism promises by the confirmation catechumens followed the homily. Thereafter, Bishop Dodo laid his hands on those to be confirmed and later on, a prayer was said for them. After the prayer, Bishop Dodo pronounced the catechumens as confirmed members of the Catholic Church after which he anointed them with the oil of Chrism. The anointing of the newly confirmed Catholics was immediately followed by the blessing of marriage of 19 couples.
Bishop Dodo told the catechumens that the sacrament of confirmation meant to complete the grace of God they received at baptism. He advised them to read books about the teachings of the Catholic Church because certainly they will be challenged on what Catholics do by non-Catholics. 

Bishop Dodo also advised all the couples to be united with each other and support themselves when the need arises. He also urged them to be careful so as not to fall victims of the seven capital sins (Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy and Sloth).

The chairman of the parish laity council Sir. Innocent Ibrahim Enesi (KSM) thanked Bishop Dodo for coming to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation and Matrimony. Also, the parish priest, Rev.Fr. Istifanus Katung thanked Bishop Dodo for administering the sacraments of confirmation and matrimony. He also thanked the parish Catechist, Witness Committee, Parish laity council and the Catechism teachers for their effort to see the success of the great occasion.

The pastoral team and the entire parishioners of St. Mary’s are really privileged to host Bishop Dodo twice within the period of two months. History has it that the last time Bishop Dodo came on an official pastoral visit to St. Mary’s was on Sunday 7th October, 2012 precisely four (4) years ago.