By Justina Hilda Paaga, GNA
Diabene (WR) April 01, GNA – The Most Reverend Bishop John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese of the Catholic church, has urged catholic priests to be a source of healing to their parishioners in this era of a broken world.
He said times were difficult for everyone, especially the youth who are unemployed and they look up to the priests for directions, guidance, love and care and as the disciples of Jesus they should be able to provide some soothing for them.
Bishop Attakruh said this in a sermon during chrism mass held at St Joseph Catholic church in Diabene in the western region as part of activities of the Holy Week to herald the celebration of Easter.
The mass which was attended by more than 200 priests drawn from the 75 parishes in the diocese, as well as religious (rev. sisters ,nun, brothers)and lay faithfuls was used to bless special oils to be used throughout the year for the anointment of catechumens, the sick, and the ordination of priests.
Bishop Attakruh stressed the importance of the oils in the catholic church stating that they were sacraments, which should be administered only by the priests.
Chrism mass allows the bishop to have a candid discussion with the priests who represents him in the parishes and allows the priests to renew their commitment (vows) to their priestly duties.
The bishop called on the priests to let the joy, zeal, smiles, enthusiasm and commitment they exhibited during their ordination as priests reflect in the execution of their priestly duties.
“Deeply reflect on your call to the priesthood and the vows you took during your ordination and perform your priestly duties with commitment faithfulness and zeal to win more souls for the catholic church”.
He said it was unfortunate that some priests after one year of ordination they lose interest in their calling and stressed that it was better for a priest to leave the ministry than to serve the people of God in regret, pain and hurt.
The bishop tasked the priests to always listen to the concerns and needs of their parishioners and help relieve them from all bondages and burdens, adding that priesthood was a ministry of service and a gift from God and that they should not lord it over the people of God but should serve them.
The bishop called on the parishioners to continue to pray for the priests and collaborate and work with them to help build their spiritual lives and enhance the growth of the church.
He lauded the priests in the diocese for their support and commitment to the growth of the church and urged them to renew their effects to work harder for the good of the church and the faithful.
He said the diocese had a little over 200 priests who were to take care of the more than 3,070 Catholics population in diocese with 75 parishes.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade