By Sam Kayode
At least 28 Bishops are expected to attend the consecration of Monsignor Bakeni on July 7 at the St Patrick’s Catholic Church Maiduguri.
A whopping 200 priests have also been invited for the occasion with over 100 Rev Sisters from within and outside the country who will line up to grace the occasion with countless laity in the 5,000 capacity St Patrick’s Church in the Centre of Maiduguri.
Chairman of the central planning committee Rev father Donatus Tizhe told metrowatchxtra.com that all is set for the occasion slated for July 7 as up to seven sub committees have been set up to ensure that the two days occasion is successful.
Donatus a senior cleric in the church told metrowatchxtra.com exclusively that among the committees are the Episcopal, publicity, feeding, security, health, logistics and Entertainment.
“There would be a gala nite on the eve of the consecration at the Catholic social Centre were the men of God and invited friends will be entertained to music, dance drama and comedy.
“The Papa Nuncio will represent the Pope on the following day, July 7 for the consecration session which would take place at St Patrick’s where the Episcopal mandate will also be read for the Church to hear.
” I believe the ascension of the man of God will bring unity between both Christians and Muslims in Borno because we have invited both the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Garbai, and Governor Babagana Zulum to the occasion.
“We expect the Chair of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the entire leadership in the state to be there next week to pray and sanctify the occasion with us,” said Father Donatus.
Brief on Monsignor John Bakeni
It was 12 April 2022 that Father Bakeni actually transited from a Rev Father to Monsignor. It was an official appointment made by the Pope Francis himself and handed personally to him.
“Since then preparations have been on top gear to consecrate him into the office,” said Donatus in a chat in his office at St Mary’s where he is in charge.
“And for this reason Bakeni had been in quiet retreat praying too for the success of the occasion,” Father Donatus added.
A statement from St Patrick’s Church Maiduguri stated that: “the Holy Father has appointed Rev. Father John Bogna Bakeni, currently chaplain of the All Saints Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Maiduguri, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Maiduguri (Nigeria), assigning him the titular see of Leptimino.
Msgr. John Bakeni was born on March 15, 1975 in Kiri, under the Diocese of Maiduguri where he had a humble beginning
and started looking for his bearing in life.
After attending Saint Peter’s Minor Seminary in Yola (1987-1993), he completed his philosophical studies at Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Makurdi (1993-1996) and theological studies at Saint Augustine’s Major Seminary in Jos (1998- 2002).
Father Bakeni was ordained a priest on August 17, 2002, incardinating himself in the Diocese of Maiduguri from then on.
After his priestly ordination he was: “Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s and Director of the Catechetical Training Centre in Kaya (2022-2007)”.
Dr Bakeni obtained a PhD in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas – Angelicum in Rome in 2012 and was appointed parish priest of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in the same year.
Since 2013 he has been: Parish Priest of St. Hilary in Polo; Administrator of the St. Joseph Cathedral Parish and Dean of Maiduguri.
Bakeni is equally a member of the College of Consultors, Secretary and Procurator of the Diocese of Maiduguri and President of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the same Diocese.
From 2020 until now, Bakeni has also been chaplain of the All Saints Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Maiduguri.
