Religious, Entire Laity in the Diocese
As the Catholic Diocese of Pankshin marks 10th Years Anniversary as a diocese, the Bishop, Most Rev. Michael Gobal Gokum disclosed that despite the ugly and severe security challenges in Bokkos, Mangu and Kanam part of the Diocese, that the people are still very much determined and committed to the faith and full of zeal for the gospel. He however, called for prayers for the safety of priests, religious and the entire laity in Pankshin Diocese.
The Bishop made the call in his speech, delivered during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Canonical Erection of Pankshin Diocese, on Monday, March 18, 2024. He expressed his appreciation to the then Archbishop of Jos and the present Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama and to the late Bishop of Shendam, Most Rev. James Naanman Daman Osa, for the background work they did to actualize the possibility of the Pankshin Project.
Reacting to the growth and spread of the Christian faith within the region, the Bishop challenged the priests, religious, catechists and lay faithful in the diocese to take seriously the work of evangelisation. He explained that with an entire population of 1.3 million people within the geographical jurisdiction of the Diocese, only about 236,402 Catholic population, calls for worry and concern.
“At ‘Ten’ we are just beginning, our Catholic population of about 236,402 is still insignificant and it should worry us as the entire population of the Diocese is 1.3 million people. My dear priests, sisters, Catechists and the lay faithful, we are still very far from the goal post. We should all take seriously the works of Evangelization. This work is not so much about sweet tongues, but mostly about our personal life styles and actions. Remember, however, that the work is of the Lord and with Him by our side we shall be more than victorious.”
Bishop Gokum further recounted the numerous achievements recorded so far in the last 10 years, and the prospects for the future. He therefore urged all the Priests, the religious, the Laity and every one to do all they could to promote the growth of Pankshin Diocese. He further invited friends and supporters of Pankshin Diocese, to the grand finale, thanksgiving Mass and fund raising on the 14th June, 2024, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Pankshin, by 10.00 a.m.
