The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI on Jan 6th the feast of
the Epiphany ordained Msgr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu along with three other new Archbishops.
Archbishop Nwachukwu was born in Ntigha, Nigeria, in 1960
and ordained in 1984. After further studies in theology, he joined the Vatican
diplomatic corps and has served in Ghana, Paraguay, Algeria, and UN offices in
Geneva.
The Holy Father in his sermon told the congregation
How can we not think, in this context, of the task of a Bishop in our own time? The humility of faith, of sharing the faith of the Church of every age, will constantly be in conflict with the prevailing wisdom of those who cling to what seems certain. Anyone who lives and proclaims the faith of the Church is on many points out of step with the prevalent way of thinking, even in our own day. Today’s regnant agnosticism has its own dogmas and is extremely intolerant regarding anything that would question it and the criteria it employs. Therefore the courage to contradict the prevailing mindset is particularly urgent for a Bishop today. He must be courageous. And this courage or forcefulness does not consist in striking out or in acting aggressively, but rather in allowing oneself to be struck and to be steadfast before the principles of the prevalent way of thinking. The courage to stand firm in the truth is unavoidably demanded of those whom the Lord sends like sheep among wolves. “Those who fear the Lord will not be timid”, says the Book of Sirach (34:16). The fear of God frees us from the fear of men. It liberates.
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His publications include The Birth of Systematic Theology in
Contemporary Black Africa, The Courage to Change: Take Off Your Shoes, as well
as numerous articles and a number of reflections on theology in Africa,
published both in L’Osservatore Romano and various periodicals. He speaks
various languages including English, Italian, German, Modern Hebrew, French,
Spanish and Arabic.
May the good Lord continue to guide and protect him, and may
His graces continue to move him from strength to strength, to the glory of His
name and the good of all mankind