Cleric Decries Materialism Among Colleagues

A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Paul Ifeadi, has decried the increasing trend of material acquisition by priests, saying it is a deviation from their calling.

Ifeadi made the remarks weekend in his sermon at a vigil mass for the funeral of late Very Rev. Fr. Mary Egbe at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Delta State University, Anwai, Asaba.

He said that if the development was not checked, it might lead to erosion of spiritual confidence of Catholic faithful in priesthood.

“We have noticed an increasing quest for material things among us, the priests, and it is really worrisome, because it is a deviation from the known tradition of the Church.

“Now, we have a situation that gives the impression that there is competition among priests, especially the younger ones, for material acquisition, including the appetite for big cars.”

He regretted that the “solid” spiritual foundation laid by early priests and inherited by Fr. Egbe and his generation, was being abandoned by the new generation of priests.

“So, to restore the tradition and reverence for integrity of their calling, priests must shun materialism and other earthly things and deepen their spirituality so as to enjoy the trust of their flock.”

Ifeadi, who is the Parish Priest of All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha-Ugbo in Delta, also urged the priests to emulate the late Fr. Egbe, whom, he said, lived and died for the poor.

“All of us, clergy and the laity, in Issele-Uku Diocese know who Monsignor Egbe was.

“He lived his life virtuously, fighting for the poor and used all his resources for them and he did so around the country.

“He had opportunities to own big cars and lead material life, but he did not, rather, all he had, he gave to the Church and the poor.

Late Monsignor Egbe, 64, died two weeks ago after a brief illness was buried at the Catholic Diocesan Cathedral at Issele-Uku, last Tuesday.