About forty Bishops of the Catholic church from across the globe, presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, Deputy President of the Nigeria Senate, Senator Ovie OmoAgege and other prominent Nigerians in different sectors of the economy were among those that graced the ordination and installation of Rt Rev Msgnr Anthony Ewherido as the new Bishop of the Warri diocese of the Catholic church, Delta state. In his address following his installation and ordination yesterday at the Holy Martyrs of Uganda Minor seminary in Warri, the new Catholic Bishop urged Nigerians to pray for a peaceful election, abstain from corruption, and make sure they vote for trustworthy candidates in the upcoming elections.
“This year is significant to Nigerians. Let’s offer our prayers for a calm election. Vote according to your conscience for the sake of our country and let’s avoid corruption.
He added that the church would commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Warri diocese on March 10, 1964, and gave the assurance that it would continue to operate in accordance with its goal.
A Bishop is not a political or administrative figurehead; rather, they lead others in prayer, according to the homilist, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi, who requested prayers for Father Evwerido to be successful in his role as Bishop.
He propagates God’s thought rather than his own. He must first join Jesus in prayer, preaching, and salvation. Let’s ask God to grant our brother His grace with reverence and thankfulness.
“The role of the bishop is to guide and provide for the flock. A man who wants to be in charge cannot do it properly. Shepherding the sheep is part of loving the Lord, not merely feeling that way.
After the homily, Father Anthony was taken through the ordination and installation ceremonies, making a public commitment to fulfil his responsibilities as a bishop until his passing.
Prior to being formally installed as the diocese’s bishop, Most Rev. Filipazzi guided the Bishop Elect through the installation and ordination procedures.