It was a moment of celebration for the newly installed Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani at the Thanksgiving Mass for his appointment and installation at his home parish, St John Catholic Church, Igarra – Akoko, Edo State.

Bishop Jude Arogundade while addressing the new Bishop in his homily noted that he is a priest of God who is also a prophet and king. He admonished him that in his exercise of his authority as the king in the Catholic Community of Ilorin Diocese, he must see himself as someone who has been sacrificed for the Church.

The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese noted that Catholic priests become sacrifices at their ordination as they no longer belong to themselves or family but belong to the people of God (Church), hence nothing belongs to them.

Bishop Arogundade celebrated the new Bishop, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani whose name he noted has been written boldly in the history of the Church as one of the Catholic Bishops in the world. He urged him to continually appreciate God for the trust that God has in him by entrusting Ilorin Diocese in his hands.

The Chief Shepherd of Ondo Diocese urged the new Bishop to endeavor not to lose focus of the office and purpose of his appointment which is to guide and to lead in matters pertaining to God and for the salvation of the people of God.

Bishop Arogundade rejoiced with the Igarra Community for the appointment of their son as the Episcopal Head of Ilorin Diocese. He noted that the emergence of a Religious, Priest and Bishop from a community means blessings for that community as it depicts that God's hand is upon the community which must be utilized to make the community great.

"So, that is why you all must begin to show appreciation to God, knowing that God has been so merciful to you, God has given you what so many people desired. Great nation desires great people, and God has made you great through the appointment of Bishop Anselm Pendo Lawani" Bishop Arogundade noted.

The homilist expressed his joy to celebrate the great feast with the community, on the great act of God and success that has taken place in Igaara Community which is the appointment of Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani as the first Bishop from Igarra and all of Akoko Edo.

"In this journey of faith, in this journey of salvation, we must begin to see beyond just a human being, a member of the family, our relation, that has just got appointed but become members of his family in doing what is right in accomplishing that purpose for which God appointed him." Bishop Arogundade admonished.

The Ondo Prelate reminisced on his background and tie with the Igarra Community and Akoko Edo Catholic Community, especially with the host parish, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Igarra.

In his thanksgiving address, Bishop Anselm Pendo Lawani thanked God for the success of the day. He noted that since the announcement of his appointment was made he has been experiencing outpouring of love and support.

Whole expressing his heartfelt gratitude, he appreciated the outflowing support for his ordination, consecration and installation. 

He expressed thanksgiving to the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ghieakhomo Dunia who was the Chief Host as he prayed for divine strength for the Chief Shepherd.

Bishop Lawani equally thanked the homilist, His Excellency, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade whom he referred to as an elder brother in the priesthood and Igarra Community. He acknowledged his support from a long time till the present moment and prayed for God's blessings on him, Ondo Diocese and the Church of God in ggeneral.

The newly installed Prelate thanked the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Calistus Mary-Ikhane; the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai and the entire Congregation of St. John The Apostle Catholic Church Igarra, Akoko Edo and the Catholic Province of Benin City for the hospitality accorded to everyone who came for the Thanksgiving.

Bishop Anselm Pendo Lawani also expressed gratitude to the entire Catholic Province of Benin City for the love and support with efforts put together towards the success of the event. He also appreciated the media team of Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) Ibadan Province for the support and live transmission of the event.

The new Bishop was joined by the Congregation that included the traditional ruler of the community, guests, parishioners, religious, priests to dance for the Thanksgiving procession and was blessed by the homilist, His Lordship, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade.

Gifts were presented by individuals, groups and societies from the host parish, Diocese and others present at the Thanksgiving Mass and Reception.