2,000 Rivers Pilgrims Set For Israel

Not fewer than 2,000 Christian pilgrims are set for pilgrimage to Israel from Rivers State before the end of this month.

The disclosure was made by the Sole Administrator of the Rivers Christian  Pilgrims Board, Monsignor John Wangbu to journalists shortly after conducting  a one day orientation workshop for the pilgrims in Port Harcourt on Monday.

According to Rev. Wamgbu the first batch of pilgrims numbering about 749 would be air lifted by 21st, 22nd and 23rd of this month to Israel for pilgrimage.

Since they would be airlifted in batches, he advised those who have not seen their names to be patient as their passport and other travelling documents are under preparation.

He stated that the first batch of names were compiled based on the passports received from the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Rev. Wamgbu who advised the pilgrims to be of good conduct during their stay in  Israel also harped on the need for them to be prudent in their spendings.

The catholic priest observed that pilgrimage was not a shopping spree but a time for spiritual refreshment and reflection.

The Christian Pilgrims Sole Administrator in Rivers State frowned at a situation where some pilgrims go the extra mile to pay for their flight tickets, saying such fees have been taken care of by the state Government.

He warned that any pilgrim who goes to pay for special flight ticket  was doing that at his or her own risk.

On the other hand, Rev. Wamgbu has debunked the news making the rounds that the current pilgrimage list in Rivers State was highly politicised.

Rev. Wamgbu said the selection of applicants for the pilgrimage was based on the criteria laid down by the board.

He said only 500 applicants were sponsored by the State Government under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria, stating that other slots were given to civil servants and indigenes that qualified.

The Catholic priest while defending the rationale for government huge spending on pilgrimage remarked,” pilgrimage is aimed at bringing together all religious faiths.  I think it would not only benefit the Christians but the state as well.”