By Godwin Utuedoye,
… Says priests are not ordain for self benefits but for others
WARRI- MOST Rev. John Afareha of Warri diocese has affirmed that the priestly celibacy of the Catholic Church is a gift of the spirit that can transform priests into a person totally dedicated for Christ, cautioning priests not to see their priestly vocation as a personal benefit, but for God and others.
Addressing a mammoth crowed of faithful that besieged the Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri, venue of the ordination of six deacons, Reverend’s Samuel Avwerosuoghene Taiwo, Anselm Okafor, Ezekiel Oiseh, Leonard Okoli, Harrison Egwunu and Ferdinard Onwuka into the Catholic priesthood on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 during the ordination Mass, Bishop Afareha noted that, the ordination of the deacons which coincided with the feast of the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven is a blessing to the church and the ordinands.
While congratulating the faithful in the diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Afareha disclosed that since the creation of the diocese in 1964, 148 priests have been ordained for the local church of Warri, revealing that eight years out of this, he has ordained 60 priests since he assumed office as a bishop in the diocese.
Admonishing the ordinands, the bishop urged them to dedicate their life to God and follow the exemplary model of Mary. In his words, ” Without fervent prayers, you will derailed”. He stated that their ordination to the Catholic priesthood in the year 2018 is a unique one as the year is a year for world meeting of the family and synod of bishop in Rome by October with the theme; ‘Young people, their faith and vocational discernment.’
Most Rev. Afareha while quoting Canon 273, charged the deacons to be obedient to the church authority and to God. He told them that through obedience they have come thus far. He reminded them that 11 of them began the journey in 2008, but only 6 of them could make it to the end. He called on them to them to uphold their vows of chastity and poverty and referred them to Canon 277 which talks of celibacy and Canon 282 which emphasised clearly the oath of poverty.
He maintained that this three vows of obedience, chastity and poverty can only be achieved by those who devote their life to prayer. He said; “Your obedience has brought you to this level and that same obedience can bring you salvation”.
He called on them to be hospital to one another and charged them to go home and read carefully through Canon 273-289 and digest the details in the Canon.
On their services to the church, the bishop told them not to carry excess luggage into the priesthood as the priest is not a priest for himself, but for everybody. He warned them not to tour with the dignity of the Catholic priesthood as the dignity of a priest surpasses every other dignity in the world.
Most Rev. Afareha admonished them to make the holy Eucharist their roadmap as the life of the priest is the Eucharist. “Without the priest, there is no Eucharist and without Eucharist no priest and no Catholic Church.”
“You must teach the people entrusted in your care the value of the Eucharistic and encourage them to participate diligently.” He also admonished them to make their homily to touch the heart of the people as what you teach them is what determines their attitude. He also urged them to give qualitative time to prepare for their homilies, ” Reflect, meditate, think and pray before delivering your homily.”
While advising them on the sacrifice they have made, bishop Afareha note that, since the moment they responded to the call, they have said goodbye to their family. He disclosed that their families are the first to share in the priesthood sacrifice as they have come to the church living everything behind so that they will be able to dedicate themselves fully to the priesthood.
Stating further, the bishop urged them to surrender totally to God and shun anything that will distract, cause derailment or deviation to their priestly ministry.
While commending the parents and family of the ordinands, Most Rev. Afareha stressed the need for their continual support through prayers noting that in weakness or in righteousness, the priest need prayers.
With the prayers of rite ordination and public admission of the priestly vows of obedience, chastity and poverty, the six deacons were raised to the order of the Catholic priesthood.
Highpoint of the ordination Mass was the laying on of hands on the ordinands by the bishop and all priests present at the ordination Mass. There was also a special thanksgiving offered by the newly ordained priests and joined by their families, friends, well wishers and Catholic faithful.
