TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP PETER Y. JATAU
‘Take time to think and look around you, smell the flowers, see the sky,
let your hopeful thoughts surround you, never let your daydreams die. Take time
to listen, time for caring, counting blessings from above, time to know the joy
of sharing, and the precious gift of love’ - IRIS HESSELDEN
As you clock
80 and celebrate your Golden Jubilee of the Priesthood, we join thousands both
home and abroad in sharing the great joy of your Birthday and Golden Priestly Anniversaries. We congratulate and
honor you today in recognition of your immense and selfless pastoral
contribution to the development of the Church in Northern Nigeria. We are proud
of your outstanding performance and landmark achievements.
Hurray! It is another feather to
your golden cap. It is a memorable and unique day. Congratulations for this
honor well deserved. You have achieved a milestone and really deserved to be
cherished. We think of you today with affection and gratitude and salute
your commitment to a worthy course. We recognize your immense contribution
to the welfare of the less privileged and the marginalized in the society; your
humanitarian and philanthropic services to the poor is deeply appreciated
As an Octogenarian, You
have seen the world change dramatically over these decades; the socio-cultural
and political landscape is radically different and a technological revolution
has taken place; Yet you lived through these changes of life with grace, wisdom
and compassion; you have remained steadfast in all these bearing your duties
with grace and decorum.
For us your sons, friends,
priests and associates, you are a shining example of a kind Shepherd and a
worthy ambassador; you are a pastor and gentleman; compassionate and tolerant; a
remarkable and thoughtful pastor; simply modest and humble; tremendously warm
and receptive; quiet and reflective; you worked with admirable strength and
humility and demonstrated the spirit of mercy and concern critical for all; you
were there in a most attentive and caring way; your unique and selfless style
of leadership is phenomenal; your resourcefulness and sterling qualities as a
father saw you through even in the most difficult circumstance; even in the
face of inner difficulties you took life calmly and wonderfully connected to
God in all things; you lived and worked with millions of your brothers and
sisters who live in situations of great injustice and poverty and showed
constancy of love and wisdom; you faced the challenge to be honest in dishonest
times and took time to pray and considered yourself blessed.
You faced troubles that seems
impossible to handle and to resolve, but faced them with vitality and courage;
In all the stress and complexity of life you remained focused; As a pastor
fulfilling your prophetic mission of reconciliation, justice and peace you
suffered incredible shame, humiliation, discouragement and rejection but
remained focused because God was your solid support; As a human being you knew
bitter failures and suffered constant criticism, accusation and rejection, but
responded to all these with tremendous love and compassion; You tolerated the
unpleasant and overcome the unexpected; you remain a major Father figure and
pillar of support and inspiration to us all; we are inspired by your sense of
justice and concern for your flock; we thank you for your fatherly advice and
encouragement and we would continue to value and count on your fatherly
goodwill, counsel and support.
We are grateful for the many wonderful things
you taught us; you are simply unforgettable! We have great cause to celebrate
your outstanding contribution to the unity, peace and progress of our nation.
We appreciate and love you and pray God to keep you in good health. May you
be well, peaceful and happy. Amen.
Rev Fr Michael Adefemi Adegbola, Director Media Service
centre Kaduna, Nigeria 2013
