On Saturday 31st May 2025, at 4pm, a long procession moves to the rhythm of the choir’s songs towards the podium in the courtyard of Notre Dame de Lourdes cathedral. It’s the dry season and the heat is on. At the front of the procession, around fifty priests, led by altar servers. At the end of the procession is Cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo, the principal consecrator, behind his two co-consecrators, Mgr Laurent Lompo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Niamey, and Mgr Ambroise Ouedraogo, Bishop Emeritus of Maradi.
Once at the altar, Father Ignatius Anipu was presented to the faithful as the man who would be ordained bishop for the diocese of Maradi. The bull of his appointment by Pope Francis was read out in French, English and Hausa. Is 61:1-3 and Jn 21:15-17 formed the liturgy of the word. This was followed by the ordination liturgy, with the candidate’s call and commitment. The litany of saints, the laying on of hands, the evangeliary and the consecratory prayer completed the liturgy of the ordination of Bishop Ignatius Anipu. The complementary rites completed this liturgy before the canonical taking of possession.
Bishop Ignatius was installed in the episcopal see of Maradi and received the obedience of the priests and nuns in pastoral service in the diocese of Maradi. The joy was overwhelming. The celebration continued with the Eucharistic liturgy. Twelve bishops from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Niger and the DRC, as well as Cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo, took part in this grandiose celebration. “Affirm your brothers” is the motto of the new bishop of Maradi, Mgr Ignatius Anipu.
By: Monsignor Placide LUBAMBA NDJIBU, M.Afr. (Bishop of Kasongo Diocese , DR Congo)
A participant happy to have been there
