Senator Lalong attends 20th anniversary Thanksgiving Mass for Shendam Catholic Diocese administrator, Rev. Fr. Migap

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By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Lalong has admonished the clergy to prioritise the spiritual and physical needs of their adherents as a way of promoting the gospel of salvation.

Senator Lalong made the admonition at the 20th priestly ordination anniversary Thanksgiving Mass for the Cathedral Administrator of Catholic Diocese of Shendam Rev. Fr. John Kekwap Migap held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shendam, Plateau State.

Lalong while congratulating the priest for serving fervently for 2 decades with passion, integrity and compassion, said the clergy must always focus on bringing people to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He said the world is in dire need of light and truth of the word of God in order to break free from vices that have held them down in different aspects of life.

According to him, the challenges of Nigeria cannot be overcome without people imbibing the fear of God and love for one another which among others are virtues that Jesus Christ preached and admonished.

Lalong commended the celebrant for his service particularly his desire and efforts to enhance the Sacred Heart Cathedral Shendam.

He recalled being taught in primary school by the mother of the celebrant who was a thorough disciplinarian that loved her pupils. This he said rubbed off on Fr. Migap who has remained focused in his spiritual calling.

Former Governor of Plateau State Sir Fidelis Tapgun, Former Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Raymond Dabo and other guests extolled the qualities of Fr. Migap, describing him as a visionary person whose desire is to do the will of God.

The Long Gamai of Gamailand, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III described the priest as a man of peace and compassion that has impacted the various communities he has served over the last 20 years.

Earlier in a Homily, the guest preacher reminded the church and priest that they hold a sacred responsibility to preach Jesus and his salvation to the world.

He cautioned against merchandising the pulpit and manipulating the followers for pecuniary gains.

The preacher testified to the forthrightness, integrity and honesty of the celebrant who has left a positive mark wherever he served.