Catholic Priests Ministering among the Military in Nigeria Cautioned against Prioritizing Ranks over Pastoral Care

He continued, “There could be a temptation for priests to get carried away by the military uniform they wear and the ranks they carry. I want to remind them that in all they do, they must not forget their roots as Catholic priests and their home diocese, from which every priest is ordained.”

The Local Ordinary of Shendam Diocese further advised chaplains to draw on both their seminary training and the discipline learned in their military roles, encouraging them to remain connected with their fellow Priests. 

“We expect that the discipline they got from the seminary and the discipline in their various services will help them to do their work with diligence and care for the poor, just like the centurion did in the Bible when he sought healing for his servant,” he said.

Bishop Dung highlighted the importance of maintaining close relationships with fellow Clergy, stating, “Priests need Priests. If not, their life will just be empty. They should come closer to each other. If they do that, they will truly enjoy their Priesthood.”

The Catholic Church leader also reflected on the challenges faced by chaplains working in the military, acknowledging the demands of military life. 

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“It’s not easy when the word of somebody becomes a command,” he said. He encouraged chaplains facing various hardships to strive for excellence, reminding them not to settle for the minimum but to pursue the maximum in their service.

Addressing Nigeria's broader social challenges, including insecurity and economic hardships, Bishop Dung encouraged both Clergy and Laity to place their trust in God. 

“Even though things are difficult, God has not abandoned us. God is always there, and God is always with us,” he said.

Bishop Dung also commented on the issue of insecurity in his Episcopal See, noting that while Shendam appears relatively quiet, incidents of kidnapping still occur but are often resolved privately by families. 

He called on the government to enhance security measures, saying, “Since the people are not allowed to use arms, the government should see how they equip the security agents to be able to carry out this task of securing the people and the land.”