.Cautions priests against proliferation of prayer ministries, merchant of prophecy
Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has extolled the virtues and dedication with which the Auxillary Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Ernest Obodo and nine other Priests ( Obodo ‘s classmates) ,discharge their pastoral duties, applauding Bishop Obodo’s commitment to Agricultural development, charging leaders to emulate him.
He gave the charge in his Homily at the Holy Mass celebrated to mark the 25Th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Bishop Obodo and his nine classmates held on Saturday at the St.Mary’s Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Udi, Enugu state.
Kaigama spoke against proliferation of prayer ministries , and merchant of prophecy , cautioning priests and those who established prayer ministries outside the church to desist from such
He also spoke against priests who refused to assist parishioners who reside outside their home towns( and are active in their parishes of residence )when they needed clearance ,asking them to present proof that they were active members of the parishes. He appealed to priests in the South East to stop such rejections and sufferings, explaining that Igbo men and women living in the North. support the church .
Pix: Archbishop Ignatius Ayu Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja
“Please don’t suffer them .They are active members of their parishes. Catholic church is one These are your men and women from the East. They have done a lot in the North. They are taking good care of Don’t ask them for proof. ” he said.
Asking for support for the church in the North, Archbishop Kaigama said they have challenges in the North and needed assistance from the East. “We need your presence and solidarity”, he appealed.
He said over the past 25 years , Bishop Obodo and his classmates. Rev Fr Sylvester Achonam, Rev Fr Antholinus Aneke, Rev Fr Joseph Ani , Rev Fr. Professor Christian Anieke Rev Fr Marius Anieze, Rev Fr Donatus Mary Chukwu, Rev Fr Hyacinth Egwuyi, Rev Fr Anthony Nnaji, Rev Fr Paulinus Okachi, and Most Rev Ernest Obodo (set of 2000) had dedicated life of faith and labour in love,
Archbishop Kaigama said the journey of 25 years does not go without moments of loneliness, “during all these challenges they remained faithful . God wants us to be faithful not necessarily to be successful.”, he said.
Pix: The Celebrants
To the celebrants, he said, “You preached not just in words but in your love. The priesthood is not about titles, honours or positions. It is about service. It is a paradox. The one who preaches must learn , must work with the poor, . You have served well and will continue to serve well.”, he said.
To Bishop Obodo, Archbishop Kiagama said, ” I must say to you you have served well. Bishop Obodo is known for agricultural development. He believes that with agriculture one will be a saving grace of the this nation. I am happy that Bishop Obodo is Enugu state assault on agriculture. I wish Abuja and others will go into agriculture.” Kaigama said.
Recognizing that people have their various callings Archbishop Kiagama said, ” Every priest has what God wants him to do. Fr Christian Aneke has excelled in developing Godfrey Okoye University, likewise other priests. Continue to serve God,’ Kiagama urged.
To the leaders, he advised them to carry people along and avoid marginalizing any section.
Pix: Gov Mbah
In his speech, the Governor of Enugu state state ,Dr. Peter Mbah ,. congratulated Bishop Obodo and his fellow celebrants..
According to him, a vocation of priesthood demands humility and perseverance and “for Bishop Obodo, it comes natural.”
Governor Mbah expressed joy with the passion Bishop Obodo has in alleviating poverty through his agricultural and human capital development. He prayed God to keep the celebrants strong to see their golden jubilee.
On their part, Clergy and members of Concentrated Body of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu in their address signed by the Bishop, Rev Callistus Onaga and read by the Vicar, Very Most Rev Anthony Anijero, congratulated the Celebrants. They said the Priests were dedicated in faith, and embraced the mission. “In times of political and social crises, they were beacon of hope.”
Talking about Bishop Obodo, they said he offered wise counsel and compassionate care while in the Seminary.” He promotes peace, spiritual development and listens to the brokenhearted, a teacher of truth and a friend of all.”
They further noted that through his agricultural development, Bishop Obodo, has shown that the church can feed the people.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of other celebrants, Bishop Obodo thanked God for keeping them strong, hale and hearty.
” All of us are hale and hearty. Nobody is sick. We are very healthy , so it is a gratitude to God.,” he said.
He also thanked Enugu Diocese Bishop Emeritus,, Bishop Gbuji, all the Archbishops , Bishops,Priests, Religious, Enugu state Governor ,Dr. Peter Mbah, former Governor of Anambra state and presidential candidate of Labour party in the 2023 presidential elections, traditional rulers, members of the State Executive council and all those who attended the event.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama