by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Late Archbishop Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka has been described as a man, who was hospitable and a friend of all that is good, sensible, devout and self-controlled; never arrogant or hot-tempered man, not heavy drinker or violent or out to make money.
This was disclosed in a homily during a Pilgrimage to the Tomb/Memorial Mass of the Late G.G. Ganaka Servant of God at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral, Jos, the Plateau State capital, by Rev Fr. Cletus Gowon.
The late Archbishop Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka died 25 years ago, and every 11th November, the Catholic Church pray and celebrate a Memorial Mass and also pray for his Beatification.
According to Rev Fr. Gowon, “The late Archbishop Ganaka called people by names; that shows he was good servant of God. As shepherds and leaders do, we make conscious and deliberately efforts to recognize and, if possible, call our subjects by their names.
“Calling people by their names has its own positive impact. It shows that you have interest and respect them, and it creates that sense of importance, belonging and intimacy, thereby enhancing the spirit of unity of purpose, responsibility, support, obedience and commitment,” he stated.
“Why do we think that we are better qualified than others? Why do we pull others down or assassinate their character simply for worldly positions or things? Why do we put pressure on authorities to appoint or transfer us to places of our choice, while we have our place of assignments? What makes you think you can be better off elsewhere?,” Fr. Cletus Gowon queried.
The clergy added that, “Our society is where sycophancy, hypocrisy, age, tribalism, nepotism, sectionalism, religion, cliques, family and friends, mediocrity have been sacrificed on the altar of merit and competence. Thus, indeed is the bane of our development.”
He challenged our leaders to be “leaders with the spirit of descendant and courage” in their decisions and action, adding that, “As leaders, do we show love, care and concern to our subordinates?
“Do we correct our erring brothers and sisters fraternally? Remember, no matter the good intention, if we do not approach issues or try to correct people with love and concern, we may even worsen the situation,” he noted.
“We should be prayerful in whatever situation we may be passing through – physical sickness, spiritual darkness, socio-economic and security challenges we are facing now in our country Nigeria.
“May we persist in bearing witness to God’s love, believing and trusting that at the end of the tunnel, there is light.”