Ahiara Catholic Faithful demand full acceptance of Most Rev Peter Ebere Okpaleke before his 3rd Anniversary

After over two years of cold war over the choice of Most Rev Dr Peter Okpaleke as the second Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese by some Mbaise people, peace seems to have returned, as the faithful of Ahiara Catholic Diocese have for the umpteenth time restated their readiness to accept Most Rev Peter Ebere Okpaleke as their substantive bishop.
The delegation which stormed St Patrick's Cathedral Awka to see Bishop Okpaleke, comprised a good number of the representatives of the Catholic Men's Organisation (C.M.O), Catholic Women's Organization (C.W.O), Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) and the Catholic Knights of Ahiara Diocese, among others. They said the faithful of the diocese were ready to accept Most Rev Peter Okpaleke as their bishop.
Speaking when he led the over 150 delegation on their re-assuring solidarity visit to Bishop Okpaleke at St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka, on July 10, 2015, the Vicar General of Ahiara Catholic Diocese, Very Rev Fr Clement Ebi, said they had to travel in the heavy rain from Mbaise to Awka, Anambra State to re-assure their bishop, Most Rev Dr Peter Ebere Okpaleke of their solidarity.
Rev Fr Ebi illustrated their solidarity with the adage which says that where one's asset is, there his mind is, and maintained that Bishop Peter Okpaleke was their bishop.
'We are ready to accept our bishop, Most Rev Dr Peter Ebere Okpaleke. We have celebrated the second anniversary of his episcopacy this May, and we want to celebrate the third anniversary of his episcopacy with him as our Diocesan Bishop', the vicar general said on behalf of the faithful of Ahiara Catholic Diocese.
The priest, who said they have been praying for change of mind of those who were confused by the bad behaviour of the few that championed the uncalled for cold war, commended those he described as the loyal laity for their strengthened faith in God, urging them to hold on to their faith.
Pointing out that the loyal laity were the conscience of the good people of Mbaise and the voice of the voiceless, Rev Fr Clement Ebi thanked God for the patience of their bishop.
Also speaking, another Mbaise Diocesan Priest, Rev Fr Chima Ahaneku, restated their readiness to receive their bishop and assured Most Rev Peter Okpaleke that he would never regret being the second bishop of Ahiara Catholic Diocese.
Nze Peter Okwute on behalf of the Catholic Men's Organisation of Ahiara Diocese, said the Catholic Men like other loyal faithful of the diocese were ready to receive Most Rev Peter Okpaleke as their bishop and would celebrate the bishop's third Episcopal anniversary with him.
For his part, Dr Mark Nwoga, said he was very happy to be part of the solidarity visit with his people of Ahiara Diocese, adding that it was his pleasure to identify with St Peter as the head of the Church, and where Peter is, there the church is.
'The Church is one, the Church is Holy and the Church is Catholic. Anybody the Holy Father who represents Peter as the head of the Church chooses for us, that person is our bishop. We love you Bishop Peter Okpaleke, because you represent the Holy Father and you are a descendant of the apostles.

It is true that at the moment, Mbaise has a bad name because of the bad attitude of some of us. But I want to encourage my brothers that at the moment we have to show love and continue praying. I pray God to strenghthen the faithful of Ahiara Diocese and our bishop, Most Rev Dr Peter Ebere Okpaleke. I am sure that his episcopacy will be one of the best in Ahiara Diocese, and the Church will continue to grow in Ahiara Diocese,' Dr Nwoga stated.
Speaking on behalf of Mbaise women, Lady Grace Diala, said the women were united in solidarity to their bishop and do not have any problem with the candidature of Most Rev Peter Okpaleke as the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese.
Lady Diala, who expressed her delight on the motto of Bishop of Okpaleke which is “Come Holy Spirit”, said the Holy Spirit was indeed at work in the life of the bishop, and assured him that he has the support of the entire women of Mbaise who according to her were ready to pull down the heaven for the bishop.
This was even as Ezinne Dorothy Nwachukwu, on behalf of the laity, assured of their readiness to give their bishop a rousing welcome as soon as the Church issues directives.
In his response, the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev Dr Peter Ebere Okpaleke, who expressed his happiness at the visit, commended the faithful of his diocese for their undeterred faith, saying that it was the faith in Christ and the one Baptism which they have in common as well as the faithfull's understanding of the faith which made it possible for them to persevere in the heat of the struggle.
The Catholic prelate, who agreed to the fact that the faithful have been in crisis of faith and confidence, said that the crisis was for their test of faith. He kicked against the idea of the Catholics calling themselves loyal laity of Ahiara Diocese, saying that they were not suppose to bear loyal laity before they become Catholics, rather they were Catholics, and anyone who do not belong to the Catholic fold is not a Catholic.
Advising the faithful of his diocese, Bishop Okpaleke said, 'In the midst of this enormous crisis, do not live in bad will with others, so that when light appears in the tunnel, you will not receive God's blessings in bad will. Behave like the remaining eleven apostles after Judas Iscariout betrayed Jesus, and wait on God to carry out his will. Learn from the patience of God, and in silence hold on to God till the end'.
The bishop thanked the faithful for their solidarity and support. He thanked especially the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, and his wife, Dr Gladys Ahaneku.
This was even as the bishop, together with some priests of Awka Catholic Diocese reconciled the penitent faithful with God through the Sacrament of Penance.
Highlights of the event were presentation of gifts to the bishop by his faithful of Ahiara Diocese as well as merriment.
Photo: The Vicar General of Ahiara Catholic Diocese, Very Rev Fr Clement Ebi (2nd right), conveys their message to their bishop, Most Rev Dr Peter Ebere Okpaleke (2nd Left)