BY KENNETH JUDE
The leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo has slammed ‘resigned’ Fr. Patrick Edet over his purported resignation from priesthood, warning that Catholics who follow him do so at their own risk.
The leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo has slammed ‘resigned’ Fr. Patrick Edet over his purported resignation from priesthood, warning that Catholics who follow him do so at their own risk.
This position was contained in a letter to all Catholic faithful in Uyo diocese by Bishop Ayah on Sunday and made available to newsmen.
The letter which is an official statement from the Church in respect of Fr. Patrick Edet’s purported resignation was read at all masses in Uyo diocese on Sunday. It came a day after priests concluded their annual retreat held at the Church Secretariat, Uyo.
According to the letter, a copy of which was obtained by our reporter, the Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Uyo, Most Rev. Dr. John Ayah noted that in line with due canonical processes, Rev. Fr. Patrick Edet’s “resignation letter” is being forwarded to the Pope for further directives. “In line with due canonical processes, Rev. Fr. Edet’s “resignation letter” is being forwarded to the Holy Father, His Holiness, Pope Francis for further directives.”
Bishop Ayah stated that it is the exclusive right of the Supreme Pontiff to make determination and pronouncement on such a grave matter, adding that as soon as that is done, he shall communicate same to the faithful.
Deploying his powers as the Chief Shepherd of Uyo Diocese, Bishop Ayah stressed that following Fr. Edet’s purported resignation, he has stripped him of all the power, office, function, right, privilege, faculty, favour, title or insignia hitherto granted him as a Catholic priest of Uyo Diocese.
“In the meantime, following his “purported resignation, I have in line with the prescription of Law (can. 1336, 1, 1, 2 and 3), revoked all the power, office, function, right, privilege, faculty, favour, title or insignia, even of a merely honorary nature hitherto granted him as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo and as the parish priest of St. Lawrence parish, Eman Uruan. I have further withdrawn all rights and privileges accorded him as a cleric by law from the date of this letter.”
The Bishop enjoined all Catholics to maintain their faith and loyalty to the church, stressing that the Church disassociates herself completely from the activities of Fr. Patrick Edet while advising that no Catholic should approach him to obtain any service or guidance henceforth in the name of the Church.
“I advise that no Catholic member should approach him to obtain any service or guidance henceforth in the name of the Church. Any Catholic who attends his programme or identifies with him in any way does so at the risk of his or her Catholic faith and membership.”
He called on priests, religious and faithful to continue in prayer that God may defend and protect His Church on earth.
Meanwhile, worshippers at Christ the King Cathedral Parish, Uyo on Sunday vowed not to abandon their Catholic faith or join Fr. Patrick in his new Church purportedly christened “Covenant Grace Assembly”. When asked by the Bishop who officiated the 10am Mass of their stance in the light of Fr. Edet’s purported resignation, a deafening chorus “NO” answer filled the Church auditorium.
It could be recalled that Fr. Patrick Edet was until his radio announcement on August 2nd, 2017 to the effect that he is no longer a Catholic priest, the parish priest of St. Lawrence parish, Eman Uruan, (a parish he reportedly abandoned) up until his “resignation” and lived in Ewet Housing Estate, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo for 13 years having g been ordained in December 2003.
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