A notable Catholic cleric, Cardinal Francis Arinze, on Thursday, unwittingly provided the platform for a rare reunion between Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and two of his predecessors in office, namely Willie Obiano and Peter Obi.
The occasion was Cardinal Azrinze’s 90th birthday celebration.
Obi, who is the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, and his successor Obiano have not met since the later left office several months ago.
The Thanksgiving Mass held at Basilica of the Most High in Onitsha, was also attended by Obiano’s wife Ebelechukwu, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, LP candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, among others.
Speaking at Holy Mass of Thanksgiving, Soludo described the Cardinal as an inspiration to the world, wishing him good health and many more years.
He gave special thanks to the Diocese of Onitsha for organizing the auspicious event, and to everyone who attended the Mass on a working day.
He said: “We have gathered to celebrate one of the finest gifts God has given to the world. You have been such a great influence and inspiration to the universal world, Anambra State, Nigeria and to me personally.
“I recount, you had a special Mass for me and my predecessor, giving me a message which I will never forget. You told me that, while I am in a haste to change the world, I should always remember that the people I deal with are children of Adam and Eve.”
Responding, Cardinal Arinze, a native of Eziowelle community in Idemili North Local Government Area, thanked the governor and other personalities who came to celebrate the special occasion with him.
Cardinal Arinze is the Arch Bishop Emeritus of Onitsha Diocese, a highly placed patriarch and an Ecclesiastical Ancestor in the Catholic World.
Born on November 1, 1932, Cardinal Arinze was ordained a Priest in Rome on November 23, 1958 and consecrated a Bishop in Onitsha on August 29, 1965.
He became the Archbishop of Onitsha between 1967 and 1985, and President of Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, 1984-2002.
Umeh, in his tribute, extolled the Cardinal for his exploits in the service of God, describing him as a great gift from God to mankind.
Senator Umeh further emphasized that hence the Cardinal celebrated his birthday every year with the Saints on the Day of Feast of All Saints, the Communion with the Saints is a Divine Privilege.
The Thanksgiving Mass was officiated by Cardinal Arinze himself, and joined by other men of God from different places.