Catholic priests urged to engage in their priestly duties

Bishop Joseph Francis Kweku Essien

The Very Reverend Mgr Joseph Francis Kweku Essien, Bishop of the Diocese of Sefwi-Wiawso of the Catholic Church called on Catholic priests to discharge their priestly duties with commitment, fidelity and zeal to win more souls to the Church Catholic.

He noted that disunity, cordiality and differences between priests have become a major source of tension among priests and urged them to iron out their differences and to work in unity and solidarity.

Bishop Essien said this in a sermon during the Chrism Mass held at the Catholic Cathedral of Mary of Our Lady of the Star of the Sea in Takoradi as part of the Holy Week activities to announce the celebration of Easter.

The Mass, which was attended by over 100 priests, as well as religious (Rev. Sisters, Brothers) and lay faithful from all parishes in the dioceses, was used to bless special oils to be used throughout the year, for the anointing of catechumens, the sick and the ordination of priests.

The Chrism Mass manifests the unity of priests with their bishops and also allows them to renew their commitment (vows) to their priestly duties.

Bishop Essien instructed the priests to respect their priestly vows and to live and work in unity for the development and growth of the Catholic Church.

“The priestly work is the work of Christ and you must strive to do what is expected of you, use your strength, your wisdom and your expertise to glorify the Lord and serve the people of God”.

He stressed the importance of holy oils in the Catholic Church, describing them as sacraments, which should only be administered by priests.

He warned that holy oil, especially oil for the sick, should not be used indiscriminately, adding that “it is only the Catholic priest who is of quality to administer such oils that could be made over. once.

The bishop instructed the priests to respond quickly to the calls of the sick to administer them the oil of the sick, insisting on “do not joke with the call to the sick, take it seriously”.

Bishop Essien warned parishioners to refrain from purchasing and patronizing all kinds of anointing oils, but should always appeal to priests if necessary.

The bishop also called on the parishioners to continue to collaborate and work with the priests to help them build their spiritual life.

He notes with concern that some parishioners do not even know the names of the priests in their parishes, whom he describes as unhappy and urges parishioners to change their attitude and work more closely with their priests.

The bishop called on the priests to do everything possible to promote the development and growth of the Catholic Church.