Pope Francis celebrates Cardinal Arinze as he marks 50 years of priestly ordination

The Pope, who was represented by the Papal
Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Kassuja
at the Pontifical Mass at the Basilica of the Most
Holy Trinity, described Cardinal Arinze as God's
gift to humanity.
During the homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to
Central Africa, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo,
described Cardinal Arinze's spiritual milestones as
an evidence of divine presence in his service to
humanity.
He said:
"Good fifty years have gone by since
Cardinal Arinze was ordained a Coadjutor
Bishop, Titular Bishop of Fissiana to
succeed Archbishop Charles Heerey.
"At his Episcopal consecration on 29
August 1965, at the age of 32, the young
Francis Arinze became the youngest
Roman Catholic Bishop in the whole world.
Luckily for him, he was ordained just in
time to join others at the closing session of
the Second Vatican Council, and after the
demise of Archbishop Heerey after a long
period of illness, the young Francis Arinze
succeeded him, on June 26, 1967.
"What we are celebrating today is a
combination of fidelity, heroism,
determination, endurance, faith and joyful
service of the Lord We are paying honour
to whom honour is due: first to God, and
appreciation to his Eminence.
"Your Eminence, when in 2005, the whole
world acclaimed you a worthy Papa bile, it
was not by chance. It showed that your
capacity was recognized. If on that
occasion you were not chosen as a Pope,
surely it is not because of your incapacity,
but because our continent was not yet
ripe for such an election. You have been a
sign of hope to many, even those who
have not met you in person." .
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon
described Cardinal Arinze as one of the great
minds that contributed to the growth and spread
of Christianity in the world.
He said:
"Cardinal Arinze, who is now 83 years old,
has been very consistent in the service to
God and humanity. I want to use this
opportunity to urge him to continue being
consistent in the service of God and
humanity. He is a good sheppard that has
been consistent in leading his flock. He is a
true man of God and I urge him to
continue, he is my elder brother, who is
my senior with two years".
Cardinal Arinze responded by thanking the Pope
and the Vatican for giving him the opportunity to
serve God from Onitsha to the Vatican, and Dr
Gowon for attending the ceremony.
He described Gowon as a good Christian and a
man full of humility.
Vanguard