The controversial Catholic priest, who made appeal in a video uploaded on the church’s official Facebook handle on Wednesday, told them “goodbye” promising that he would be with them.
The Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN) Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has appealed to his supporters to stop protest as he handover to his successor.
The controversial Catholic priest, who made appeal in a video uploaded on the church’s official Facebook handle on Wednesday, told them “goodbye” promising that he would be with them.
Recall that the Adoration Ministry, which was shut down three months ago, was re-opened few days ago.
However, in the place of Fr. Mbaka, another clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Anthony Amadi, was posted to take charge of the Adoration Ministry.
It will also be recalled that members of AMEN recently reacted to the church’s decision in transferring Fr. Mbaka to the monastery.
Mbaka in his farewell message in the video said, “I wish to use this opportunity to bless and encourage you as I depart to the monastery in obedience to my bishop. I want you to remain calm as written in Psalm 46:10.
“This is a time we shall know the real adorers. Please, back me with your prayers so that I will go and embark on deeper reflections and interior waiting on the Lord. I want to remind you of Jeremiah 29:13, God will reverse everything. God has good plans for us and not to destroy us. This is not a time to be sorrowful. Be calm and vigilant. Stop every form of protest and demonstration. I love you and I will be with you. God bless you."
SaharaReporters had on Monday reported that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu noted that Mbaka was never removed, contrary to reports in various quarters.
The Director of Communications, Enugu Diocese, Benjamin Achi, said since it was recommended that Fr. Mbaka took time away in solitude, in order to listen to what the Spirit of God had to tell him, he was allowed to propose a priest to administer, in the interim, to the faithful at the Adoration Ministry.
"With the approval of his Bishop, on Sunday, 2 October 2022, Fr. Mbaka introduced Fr. Anthony Amadi to the worshippers. Unfortunately, some people were still not pleased, and would prefer that Fr. Mbaka remains.
"What every true Christian, and especially every true Catholic, should do at this moment is to commit our dear brother and priest, Fr. Mbaka, to God in prayer so that he may, through this moment, encounter God specially, come out stronger and better in recognizing His will for him and gain more graces to channel those rare gifts for His glory and for the sanctification of the people of God and society at large.
"The church loves Fr. Mbaka and cherishes him as an illustrious son. May our Mother Mary, the Queen of all Apostles, intercede for him. Amen," he had said.