On the 15th of November 2024, the Provincial Superior visited the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, to sign a convention for one year for the service of Very. Rev. Fr. Claude Nikpi SMA.
Archbishop Crotty is priest of the Diocese of Cloyne in Ireland. In an interview granted to the Vatican News in August 2024, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) expressed optimism about the new appointment. Reflecting on the appointment of the new Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Ugorji is quoted as saying:
“We also celebrate the historic connection between our nations, as Archbishop Crotty becomes our first Apostolic Nuncio from Ireland, just as Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, who served as the first Apostolic Nuncio from Nigeria in Ireland. We appreciate Archbishop Crotty’s acceptance of serving in Nigeria and assure him of our full support and cooperation […. ] Archbishop Crotty’s presence will echo the rich history of Irish missionaries who were integral to the evangelization of our nation, being warmly embraced as Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and lay missionaries. Their legacy of faith and dedication continues to inspire us, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation with Archbishop Crotty’s guidance.”
It must be mentioned that the Apostolic Nunciature in Abuja requested the service of an SMA missionary as a Local Collaborator. Very. Rev. Fr. Claude Nikpi SMA, Vice Provincial Superior and Superior of the SMA House, Abuja has since been made available to respond to the request.
YouTube video courtesy of Catholic Television of Nigeria. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNvXfAsZ9ao
