Femi Otedola Celebrates Mum After Pope Francis Honoured Her With Prestigious Award: "Well Deserved"
- The mother of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, Dame Christine Doja, was honoured by Pope Francis and her son celebrated this achievement
- She was given a revered honour reserved for the clergy and laity (non-clergy) who have served the Catholic Church and the Pope
- Photos of the 92-year-old receiving her award were flaunted on social media and Femi Otedola shared how he felt about it
- In a chat with Legit.ng, Fr. Theophilus Okpala, a priest from the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Anambra state, shared more details about the award
Dame Christine Doja, the mother of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, was honoured by Pope Francis, adding another feather to her cap of achievements.
Source: Instagram
She was given an award of the Papal honour of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice which her 61-year-old son stated was well deserved.
While applauding the 92-year-old, Femi shared photos of his mother being given the award which she raised above her head as she posed with other clerics.
88-year-old Archbishop emeritus of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, was also in attendance at the event in honour of Dame Doja.
The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, or Cross of Honor, was established in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII. It is awarded to Catholics aged 45 and above who have shown long and distinguished service to the Catholic Church and to the Papal office. It is the highest Papal decoration that could be awarded to women.
See Femi Otedola's post celebrating his mother below:
Reactions to Femi Otedola's post
Some netizens shared their thoughts on Femi Otedola's mum's honour by the Pope. Legit.ng gathered some of the comments below:
@nittiemarie:
"Congratulations grandma. Proud Catholic any day any time."
@abegunde_phemmy:
"Good to see Archbishop Olubunmi Okogie( Emeritus)."
@dipsonmide:
"Congratulations to Mama Doja Otedola. You are a lover of God. This is an honour well deserved."
@adesholamat:
"Congrats Mummy. Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie baba looking fresh."
@alaysiacharles:
"Whenever royalty by nature is recognized to the world for excellence, God is present' Righteousness starts by discovery. She looks amazing. Blessings."
Fr. Theophilus Okpala reacts to Pope's award
A priest from the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Anambra state, Fr. Theophilus Okpala, spoke to Legit.ng about the significance of the award and what it represents.
"The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal is awarded to the lay faithful and to members of the clergy who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Catholic Church in areas such as charity, education, social service, and evangelization. The design of the medal features the emblem of the Vatican—a cross, sometimes adorned with the papal tiara and the keys of Saint Peter, symbolizing the authority of the Pope."
Speaking on who can bestow the award on the recipients, the Catholic priest said:
"The medal is often bestowed by the Pope himself or by bishops on his behalf, and recipients are usually nominated based on years of faithful and selfless service to their local parishes, dioceses, or to the universal Church.
Furthermore, Fr. Theophilus Okpala spoke about the significance of the award for the church and the recipient.
"In the Catholic Church, the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal holds great significance as it reflects the Church’s gratitude for an individual's deep dedication and unwavering loyalty. It is not only a recognition of hard work but also a spiritual affirmation of the recipient’s contributions to the life of the Church."
He added that the church gives the award to express gratitude for the contribution of the individual to God's service. In his words:
"Finally, the award is a testament to the belief that the work of the Church is built upon the dedication of many hands, both clerical and lay. Also, it highlights the Church’s gratitude for those who embody Christ’s call to love and service in the world."
Femi Otedola celebrates daughter DJ Cuppy's baptism
Legit.ng earlier reported that disc jockey Florence Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy, recently dedicated her life to Jesus Christ and got baptized.
Her billionaire father, Femi Otedola, was proud of her decision and decided to celebrate her as he shared the video on Instagram.
Otedola described her as his angel, noting that he was proud of her decision, and he also shared some wishes for her.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
