Tuesday, 17 July 2018

A DIRGE FOR JEAN LOUIS CARDINAL TAURAN

A DIRGE FOR JEAN LOUIS CARDINAL TAURAN  

Rev. Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua 

 

Human life on earth is so short and transient

Compared to life in heaven that is ever ancient

We were privileged to know Cardinal in a world

That urgently needs people to give a nice word

That would forever give hope to a broken heart

In situations where millions of people suffer hurt 

 

Jean Louis Cardinal Tauran, when you were born

Bordeaux rejoiced but did not know that this son

Will preach peace to all the religions under the sun

We are in grief because you are on heavenly transit

You touched the world in moments of life’s trauma 

Preaching the message of peace in every waring area

 

Now we really wonder how the Pontifical Council 

For Inter-Religious Dialogue will be ever consoled 

With this great silence created by your eternal absence 

Oh dear Father, the Consultors will miss your presence

The Commission for Religious Relations with Moslems

Will miss how you resolve Inter-Religious problems

 

From the Department of Mission and Dialogue in Nigeria

You made me a Consultor to represent the African area 

To echo to the whole world that Nigeria is full of surprises 

A testimony you often remember even in the face of crisis

You appreciated our values, people and cultural festival

Notwithstanding the conflicts that could end life’s carnival 

 

Your Eminence, Jean Louis Cardinal Tauran, we love you 

The Vatican, France, Nigeria and the world will miss you

Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue is mourning 

Commission for Religious Relations with Moslems is mourning   

May the Saints and Angels guide you to the heaven you belong

Forever Rest in Peace with the Seraphim and the Cherubim song

 

 

Rev. Fr. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua is the director of the department of Mission and Dialogue of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria

 

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