Fides Media Living the Faith
By Chioma Ndife
The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, has described the elevation of Bishop Peter Ebele Okpaleke to the order of Deacon Cardinal as a divine manifestation.
He made the disclosure while congratulating the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese who was among 21 persons appointed cardinals by the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis.
Speaking to Fides following the appointment, Bishop Okoye appreciated God for his graciousness and maintained that it was a manifestation of God’s divine presence and grace.
He noted that Pope Francis, through the appointment, manifested an effective understanding of the pains and travail which Bishop Okpaleke passed through after his rejection by the Presbyterium of Ahiara Diocese.
He stressed that the elevation would serve as a lesson to all those passing through various difficulties to bear in mind that consolations would come at some point.
In his words, ‘Thank God for His graciousness and mercies. The Holy Father manifested in this act his feelings in the pain and travail Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke passed through. It’s also a lesson for us all not to give up on God when we experience difficulties and hurt. When we endure in joy and hope, the reward will always be immense, either in this life or in our eternal home in heaven,’ he noted.