Lasting bonds forged with Nigerian Diocese of Otukpo

Archbishop Christopher Prowse recently welcomed Nigerian Bishop Michael Apochi to the Archdiocese as part of a broad sharing of culture and practices of the church in the two parts of the worlds.

“Over the last few years, the Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn and the Diocese of Otukpo have moved into an exchanging of gifts, a friendship with each other, so that we can enjoy the gifts of God’s kingdom that he gives to his universal church,’ Archbishop Prowse said.

“Three of the priests from the Bishop’s Diocese are exercising Ministry here in this Archdiocese, and also we’re looking at doing some basic funding for some of the projects in Bishop’s Nigerian Diocese.

“In so doing, we’re showing an exchange of gifts in the universal church of the Catholic faith, building each other up, gifts being shared, and learnings of the different cultural aspects of this great church throughout the world that the Lord founded.”

Bishop Apochi expressed his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences the co-operation between his Diocese and the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese has offered

“I am really grateful on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo for our relationship,” he said.

“The relationship between the Diocese and the Archdiocese; the relationship between the Bishop and the Archbishop;  and the relationship between the laity and the laity here of the Archdiocese and between the priests and religious of our Diocese and yours… we are really very, very grateful.

“This is a clear indication of how the church is really universal … Australia, Nigeria… coming together and working together in harmony.”