KENYA: Apostolic Nuncio Urges Newly Ordained Priests to Live their True Vocations

The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, His Excellency Most Rev. Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, has indicated that the formation of a priest which ordinarily takes seven years or more, is not only about studying Philosophy and Theology but also a time of discernment and letting go of many things that one may have aspired for.

“You have to sacrifice; you have to give up; you have to give in and speak from own experience. I would say that it is a time to struggle so that at the end of it you perfectly understand what it is because life is not an easy feast; it is a challenge. Whether you are married, or Religious; whether you are a father or mother; whether you are a priest or bishop, it doesn’t matter,” Archbishop Van Megen said in his homily during the priestly ordination of 14 deacons from the Congregation of Apostles of Jesus in Nairobi on Friday, August 9.

The Nuncio further asserted that priests like all Christians are not called to be dictators, who impose their will on others but rather are called to serve and to be a sign of mercy, understanding and the love of God, which the world is in dire need of.

“Priesthood is not about authority, it is not about power, it is not what Jesus had warned his disciples about, of load it over to others like the pagans do. Unfortunately, how often does it happen that within the Church some priests, bishops and even some Religious Sisters load it over the people; coming down with their fists, trampling their feet, shout and point fingers; this is not the way the Church ought to work, that is not the image of Jesus Christ.”

Archbishop Van Megen indicated that once one is ordained a priest, they become salt of the world and the only way to remain tasty for the people is by the exemplary way of life in which one lives.

“People are looking up to you; people are waiting for your word of encouragement, your word of love and mercy, your word of understanding. Therefore, we must find our foundation in Christ by renouncing our secrets and shameful ways; you need discipline, you need to have a spirit of sacrifice, that many things may be attractive, very desirable, but because of your vocation you are ready to let go,” the nuncio said adding that sacrifice means pain and struggle.

“People have high expectations of you, they see in you men of God, light of the world, and a town built on a hill. This means that you are continuously in the limelight and people watch you, day in day out. Don’t elude yourself therefore, thinking that people do not know and do not see because people have a very clean sense of whether you are living the life of a priest or not,” the Nuncio cautioned.

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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News