MONSIGNOR SIMON Faddoul has been consecrated as the bishop of the new Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of the Annunciation at 22 Jibowu Crescent, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The Episcopal consecration, which took place at the Notre Dame du Liban Basilica in the Patriarchate of Antiochia, Lebanon, on 7 April, was attended by Most. Rev. Augustine Akubeze of Benin City, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, in the company of Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah of Sokoto and Rev. Fr. Ralph Madu, secretary-general of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria .

The Principal Consecrator was Bechara Boutrous Cardinal Raï O.M.M.

It was on 28 February that the Holy Father Pope Francis elevated the Maronite Exarchy in Ibadan to an Eparchy and appointed Mons. Simon Faddoul as its first bishop.

The Maronite Eparchy caters for the pastoral needs of the Lebanese community in Central and West Africa. The Eparch (bishop) is also a visitor to South Africa.

Bishop Faddoul would be installed in Ibadan at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Iyaganku,  20 May

- Fr. Stephen Ojo