The newly appointed Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Pilgrims Welfare Board, His Grace, Arc. Bishop (Dr.) Cletus Bassey has embarked on a series of seminars thru the three senatorial districts of the state to awaken the interest of pilgrimage in the people.
The program which took off on the 2nd of August at Ikot Ekpene Sen. Dist. climaxed today in Uyo registering the attendance of Major stakeholders in Christianity like the Chairman, Chriatian Association of Nigeria, AKS chapter, Rev. (Dr) Nduese Ekwere and others.
The three day event titled “Sensitization and mobilization for 2017 pilgrimage to the holy land” heightened with a paper presentation by the Chairman, His Grace, Arc. Bishop Cletus Bassey with theme “ individual corporate sponsorship of pilgrims: financial involvement “
In his presentation, Cletus, while emphasizing that he is not condemning Government Sponsorship for Pilgrims pursued that people should see the holy journey as a personal thing, heralding its spiritual benefits which he said is the coming together of faith and history in the life of a Christian.
“ We are used to seeing pilgrimage as a Government thing, a political thing, while I do not condemn government sponsorship, I urge that we as a people see the Journey to the holy land as a spiritual Journey and a personal thing, groups can come up to sponsor each other and individuals should plan to do so too”
Speaking further, His grace assured the people that His Excellency considered pilgrimage and Christianity as priorities in his policies while he called on more Akwa Ibomites to approach the board to kick start their processes to the holy land.
“His Excellency holds Christianity and pilgrimage in high esteem, this is clearly the picture here. I encourage all of you to approach the board so as to start processing for your holy Journey”
Listing the processes necessity to qualify for the holy Journey, His Grace said that all Christians had equal chances, he stressed that the journey is only for Christians, he mentioned medical examinations, interviews and financial obligations as part of the needs to meet.
“Pilgrimage is for Christians only; you will pass through interviews, and medical assessments and also some financial commitment”
In his comments, the CAN chairman, Rev. (Dr.) Nduese Ekwere lauded His Grace, Arc. Bishop (Dr.) Cletus Bassey for what he referred to as steadfastness and good leadership. He said that the christian body which he heads will work hand in hand with the Pilgrims Board to source for sponsorship for more pilgrims.
“We are happy to have a man like His Grace, Arc. Bishop Cletus Bassey who leads the board, he is very steadfast and a great leader, we are assure of success in our programs.
We as CAN will work hand in hand with the board so as to source for more sponsorship to enable us send more Christians to the holy land”
Other speakers were the vice Chairman of the Board, Prelate Isaiah Isong, Secretary of the board and others.
Other speakers were the vice Chairman of the Board, Prelate Isaiah Isong, Secretary of the board and others.
Closing prayers was rendered by the CAN Chairman Rev Ndueso Ekwere.
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