Double Celebration of an Icon of Peace

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  • October 26, 2019
  1. Double Celebration of an Icon of Peace

The year 2019 was a special one as the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace celebrated her Founder and President John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan who celebrated his 75th Birthday in January and his 50th Priestly Anniversary in August 2019. These events had in attendance dignitaries across the country including traditional rulers, eminent religious leaders, captains of industries, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps who are friends and well-wishers of our amiable founder.

Speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass of his 50th Priestly Anniversary, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze described His Eminence as a great spiritual leader and true teacher of the Faith stating that his words stands out as a highly respected advocate of the masses, a learned figure with great wisdom in both religious and secular issues. He stated that the Church in Nigeria is grateful to God, satisfied and joyful for the gift of His Eminence to humanity and called on all to learn from his exemplary leadership qualities. Also speaking at the event, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi while delivering a special message from the Holy Father, Pope Francis congratulated His Eminence stating that his works as the Prince of the Church will never be in vain.

In his response Cardinal Onaiyekan was full of gratitude to God and to all who found time to attend the ceremonies especially for their love and support in his service to God and humanity. He also used the occasion to announce through a world press briefing of his pending retirement as the Archbishop of Abuja, having attained the canonical age of retirement as stipulated by the Universal church.

The COFP Foundation is very happy to be part of this historic event that brought together people from all works of life to honor a great man of peace; whose live and work transcends ethnic, religious, tribal, political and social divides.