Bishop Cautions Priests Against Materialism

The Catholic Bishop of Awgu Dioceses, Rt. Rev. John Okoye, has advised 23 newly ordained priests to shun the quest for material acquisition if they wish to be good pastors in the Lord’s vineyard.

Okoye gave the advice in a homily at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, Nsukka, Enugu State at the ordination of 23 new priests last Saturday.

The bishop advised the newly ordained priests to pre-occupy themselves with preaching the gospel and winning souls for Jesus Christ.

He said, “What will earn you the kingdom of God is spreading of the gospel and winning new souls for Christ.

“You are not ordained to pursue worldly things, but to live Christ-like life, and remember that on the last day, you will give account of your stewardship before God.”

Okoye also urged parents of the new priest not to put unnecessary financial pressure on their sons, stressing that priestly vocation was sacrifice to work for God.

“Priestly vocation is not an oil company where you make money. If you think he has been ordained today to build mansions, buy jeeps and be the bread winner of the family, you can withdraw him now.

“What you should do for him, if you love him, is fervent prayers so that he will do the will of God,’’ he said.

Administrating the oath of priesthood on the ordained priests, the Bishop of Nsukka, Dr Francis Okobo, urged them to respect God, as well as the leadership of the church.

“Ensure that God is your first consideration in all you do. Carry out the work of God with all of your strength, and he will surely reward you. Remember that God is watching all you do both in public and in secret.

“Remember, you vowed today to serve God all the days of your life no matter the circumstance,’ he reminded the priests.

Some of the new priests expressed appreciation to God for finding them worthy to work in His vineyard, and promised to serve God and the church with humility and honesty.