Bishop Gerald Musa Formally Takes Charge Of Katsina Diocese

The new Catholic Diocese of Katsina, Northwest Nigeria has now taken off with the episcopal ordination and installation of the first Bishop Most Reverend Gerald Mamman Musa.

The ceremony held on the grounds of the Cathedral, St. Martin de Porres. It was witnessed by thousands of people from all walks of life, both Catholic and non-Catholic including Muslims.

Twenty Bishops from different dioceses including the His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan along with scores of priests, the religious from different congregations participated in the episcopal ordination Mass.

The homily was preached by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Southeast Nigeria, Most Reverend Augustine Echema. He said the new bishop Most Reverend Gerald Musa is a detribalized Nigerian who has been at home in most parts of Nigeria where he has had cause to visit and interact with people.

Bishop Echema said Nigeria and Nigerians, especially those grieving, sorrowing and in pains need those who will offer words of hope, consolation and courage and that he believes that Bishop Gerald Musa has all it takes to fit into that role.

He added that the new Bishop will now join his brothers in the college of bishops to give his thoughts and contributions on the affairs of the nation Nigeria.

The ordaining prelate was the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah. He prayed for him for the strength to lead God’s people in the new diocese.

Addressing the congregation after the Mass, Most Reverend Matthew Kukah, said Katsina is a special Diocese and that it came on stream at challenging time in Nigeria adding that it is the reason we’re being called Christians.

He thanked Pope Francis for his love and commitment to the speedy creation of the Diocese of Katsina and looks forward to the making of more Dioceses in Nigeria.

Bishop Kukah said noted that the new Katsina diocese is a Catholic Diocese in Katsina state and it should not be tagged as Hausa diocese.

After that he presented the handover note on the new diocese to its Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa along with a car for the Bishop’s use.

A Permanent Secretary in the Katsina State government represented the Governor Dikko Umar Rada at the ceremony. He expressed the state government’s joy on the creation of the diocese adding that the government will ensure harmony in the state among all faiths to thrive peacefully.

In a reception after the Mass, Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa cut his ordination cake.

A day earlier, Governor Dikko Umar Rada received in audience at the Katsina Government house, Bishop Kukah, the new Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and other Bishops who came to Katsina for the ordination.

Also in attendance at the courtesy visit was former Women Affairs Minister, Dame Pauline Tallen KSG. She also stayed through the formal ordination and installation of the new Bishop.

Interestingly, Dame Pauline Tallen is the maternal aunt to the new bishop.