Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Grand Bassam (Agenzia Fides) – On Sunday, July 4, the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Ambrose Madtha ordained the new Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Bassam, Bishop Raymond Ahoua, of the Congregation of the Sons of Providence (Don Orione). The two co-consecrating bishops were Bishop Paul Dacoury-Tabley, Bishop Emeritus of Grand Bassam, and Bishop Giovanni D'Ercole, Auxiliary Bishop of L'Aquila. The solemn liturgy, in the presence of Cardinal Bernard Agre, Archbishop Emeritus of Abidjan, was attended by 23 bishops from all over the country, Burkina Faso, and Italy.
According to information sent to Fides, the ceremony was held outdoors on the grounds that will become home to the new Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The place was packed with a crowd of more than 11,000 people, with about 200 concelebrating priests including Fr. Flavio Peloso, Director General of the Congregation of the new bishop, which was founded by St. Luigi Orione. Also present were the local political authorities.
During the homily, the Apostolic Nuncio focused on the readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the ministry of the 70 disciples called to continue the mission of Jesus, bringing peace to the people. Archbishop Madtha, expressing his joy for the ordination and the installation of the third bishop of the diocese, where the evangelization of the Ivory Coast started 116 years ago, explained the ministry of the Bishop and his position in Church. He asked those present to pray for their bishop in the languages of Aboure, Agni, and N'zima.
After the liturgy, which lasted 4 and a half hours, the Apostolic Nuncio thanked Bishop Paul Dacoury-Tabely for leading the diocese for over 15 years, and expressed his gratitude to Bishop D'Ercole for his missionary ministry conducted in the Ivorian land for eight years. The new bishop, in his final address, thanked everyone, especially the Holy Father and the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples for the confidence placed in him and assured that the mission of evangelization in the diocese will continue with renewed zeal and dedication. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 08/07/2010)
