John Cardinal At 80: MyPpersonal experience
Onaiyekan @ 80: My experience of him
He is a "young man" beginning another round of journey into a deeper level of what life is. Usually not everybody gets this privilege of accessing this deeper side of ones life. It feels good, very refreshing for those with less baggages to be obsessed with. My Dad before he passed was in this space for six years. My mum just arrived at this level last year December.
She is as fresh as Cardinal in this highly privileged space, basking in joy, happiness, piety and simplicity that come with it.
A lot written already about Cardinal since his 80th birthday was announced last year. No single perspective would be able to describe him accurately without leaving much to be desired.
Tempted to say he is like an Elephant before the blind, no one description says it all. But for fear of sounding so repetitive , I won't.
Like a star he shone, like a moon he illumined and like a sun he dazzled beyond the shores. The sound of the sonorous lyrics of his 80 years of life sedates many to sleep, not even an insomnia person would stand it. The drums and xylophonic sounds of his exploits, so moving none could sit without taking to the dance floor, not even the lame would.
Does he look 80? Certainly not, 70 years his perfect look if you ask me. Robust in looks, critical in thinking, versatile in conversation and humorous in his jabs.
On various occasions I have visited him with some groups for courtesy visits. The most recent was last year's August. As a member of the Communications Committee planning the 5th Pan African Congress of Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Africa in Abuja, I joined the National Service Communion to pay him a courtesy visit at his Domus Pacis residence Asokoro
Another courtesy visit one wouldn't forget in a hurry. Each person that stood to introduce themselves, Cardinal had something to say about either their village, state or country.
He would engage with such a clarity and precision of mind, if one isn't careful one would stutter with words trying to provide answers to certain queries about ones state, village or country. He is gifted, just to put it mildly.
My mission isn't to play to the gallery or engage in flattering adventures. I didn't also set out to recount all the innumerable achievements of his, etched already on the hall of fame. I am also not here to begin to recount the number of people, too legion that got employment/ appointments/ favours etc leveraging his integrity, connection and goodwill.
I am also not here to recount the number of souls saved through his yearly prison visitation. What about his various interventions on both the political and religious platforms, speaking with clarity and condemning ills, no matter whose ox is gored.
Certainly, such isn't the crux for embarking on this. All that he did before today belong in his past, as good as they sound can't be more impressive than his tommorow.
As much as I celebrate his glorious past, my concern is in his glorious future, where the past could easily be forgotten or diminished by the glorious light of his future.
Today heralds a new dawn for you his Eminence. A new you, a new purpose, drive and interests. Today opens yet another aspect of you, not many will understand except you and your God.
Congratulations Your Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan. I have only one prayer for you. I wouldn't pray for riches and wealth, you have passed such prayer. I wouldn't pray that you have fame and influence, it will be praying amiss. I wouldn't either pray for your destiny helpers to meet you, your destiny is already met and beautiful
I pray rather for you not to be delayed unnecessarily to avoid the unfortunate predicament of Hezekiah.
Your flight time unknown, your aircraft known , your destination by wishes and absolute trust in God's mercy is known also.
Your Eminence, get your ticket and visa stamped passport handy. Nothing else to see. Nothing else to hear, nothing else to enjoy. Focus like Elisha, defiling all orchestrated distractions, less you miss your heaven bound aircraft.
Iife is like a football match, a second is too long a time for a narrative to change.
Today 3rd of Feb 2024. The Cathedral of Twelve Apostles will be filled to the brim . Clad and adorned in different attaires, the entire Archdiocese rolls out red carpet for you.
Gifts you wouldn't use would abound, eulogies upon eulogies will rend the air. Such is the joy and happiness of a workman so diligent, humane, compassionate and dispassionately a Christian in his duty post.
However, never be too focused on them to miss your heaven bound aircraft. Your earthly stage filled with ovation, may your heavenly stage be more in ovation, welcoming you in chariots, with trumpet blast whenever your curtain falls. Until then, make merry in the Lord.
But remember your Eminence, time is one of the most valuable gifts.
Its value is set like monthly stipend it neither appreciates nor depreciates, but can either be mismanaged or managed.
How much of it are you willing to share? With who? At what degree? For what reason? Knowing how precious it is now. Time ticks! 80 years, still fabulous. Congratulations!
Jarlath Uche Opara Jarlathuche@gmail.com
07068420002
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