Faith

Nigeria’s Peter Okpaleke to be sworn-in as Catholic Cardinal

Published

1 year ago

August 26, 2022

Advocate News Nigeria

Peter Okpaleke, the Bishop of Ekwulobia is scheduled to be one of the 20 new cardinals to be sworn in on Saturday by the Catholic church.

Pope Francis had earlier called Okpaleke as one of the new cardinals – many of whom could one day choose his successor. Information Guide Nigeria

It is the eighth consistory since the 85-year-old Pope was elected in 2013, but is being particularly closely watched for signs of the kind of Catholic Church he hopes to leave behind.

The new cardinals include men known for their progressive views and their pastoral work, and they hail from around the world: from Brazil to Nigeria, India, Singapore and East Timor.

After Saturday’s swearing-in at St Peter’s Basilica, they will join a two-day meeting of all cardinals starting Monday.

The gathering was called earlier this year to discuss the pope’s new constitution for the governance of the church — but has only fuelled speculation he is on his way out.

Francis, who has cancelled numerous events in recent months and been forced to use a wheelchair due to knee pain, said last month “the door is open” to stepping down.

If he did follow his predecessor Benedict XVI and resign, a conclave involving all cardinals aged under 80 would be called to choose a successor. jamb results

After this weekend, Francis will have chosen around 90 out of the 132 cardinals eligible to elect a new pope, around two-thirds of the total — precisely the percentage needed for any proposed name to pass. (CHANNELS)

Faith

‘I am sound, spirit, soul and body’ – Popular Gospel Singer Buchi denies death rumour

Published

1 week ago

September 13, 2023

Advocate News Nigeria

Popular Gospel Singer, Buchi Atuonwu aka Buchi

A popular Gospel Singer, Buchi Atuonwu, popularly known as Buchi, has urged the public to disregard rumour making the rounds in the social media that he was dead.

Buchi, the global acclaimed gospel singer, refuted the rumour in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday.

According to him, there is no truth in this as I am sound, spirit, soul and body.

“It is unfortunate that desperation has driven many to all manner of mischief.  Thank you all for your care and concern,” Buchi said.

NAN reports that the purported death of the award winning gospel minister went viral on Wednesday on the social media.

Buchi is a renowned Nigerian song-writer, author, poet spoken word and reggae gospel artist loved by millions around the world. (NAN)

Meanwhile, besides the news of Buchi Atuonwu refuting the rumour that he was dead, it has emerged that some celebrities who attended the burial ceremony of popular musician, Mohabad in Lagos on Wednesday were harassed by those reported to be area boys.

The incident left a sour taste for Cute Abiola and music promoters, Kogbadi and OGB Recent who according to reports were made to abandon their vehicles to flee the venue.

Faith

Mosque renamed to ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus’ in Dubai

Published

1 month ago

August 21, 2023

Advocate News Nigeria

• Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque

The Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif, a district in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has been renamed to ‘Mariam, Umm Eisa’ which translates from Arabic to English as ‘Mary Mother of Jesus’.

The renaming of the mosque was ordered by Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi crown prince, “to consolidate bonds of humanity between followers of different religions,” Gulf News reports.Reacting to the development, a senior chaplain at St Andrew’s Church, Andrew Thompson, was quoted as saying, “We are delighted that we are celebrating something that we have in common between both our faiths.

“Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is of course a holy, special figure in our communities. She is a woman who symbolises obedience to God.

“We look forward to growing in deeper understanding with our neighbours, and we celebrate with them the new name of the mosque,” Thompson said.

Jeramie Rinne, senior pastor of the Evangelical Community Church in Abu Dhabi, also hailed the news.

“Mohammad has made another generous gesture of religious tolerance in renaming the mosque.

“The UAE continues to set the pace in this region for peaceful coexistence and cooperation. We are very encouraged and feel blessed to be a part of this nation,” he said.A church in Al Ain was said to have recently opened its doors for Maghrib prayers.

Church workers reportedly laid down carpets on the wooden floor for over 200 Asian Muslim workers to say their prayers.