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“Know when to leave”: Cardinal in Ivory Coast on Retirement from Episcopal Ministry

By Justin Assalé

Abidjan, 28 November, 2024 / 3:57 pm (ACI Africa).

Jean-Pierre Cardinal Kutwa of Ivory Coast has underscored the importance of recognizing the right moment to step aside, using his retirement from Episcopal Ministry to deliver a message about humility and self-awareness. 

Speaking at a Thanksgiving Mass marking his retirement as Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan, Cardinal Kutwa expressed appreciation to all who supported him during the 18 years he served in the Ivorian Metropolitan See.

“You have to know when to leave! Indeed, when one has exhausted one's usefulness, the joyful acceptance of one's uselessness is a great service,” the Ivorian Cardinal said during the November 23 Eucharistic celebration that was held at St. Paul Cathedral of Abidjan Archdiocese.

He added, “The eternally permanent always end up annoying, and love turns to hate! So you have to know when to leave! Yes, I'm leaving, but I'm rejoicing for the Lord, I'm lifting up his name.”

“The Lord’s goodness to me has far exceeded my expectations,” Cardinal Kutwa said.

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The Cardinal expressed appreciation to all who supported his ministry, saying, “I wish to sincerely thank each of you who made this journey possible.”

Drawing on the Parable of the Talents, Cardinal Kutwa urged the faithful to take responsibility for their roles in human history. 

“The Master’s absence is an invitation to assume our duties as faithful servants,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader encouraged Christians to “make the Lord present to the world and their brothers and sisters.”

“Let us no longer be afraid; let us dare, for Christ is with us, yesterday and today,” he added.

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Cardinal Kutwa asked women, in particular, to “work to bring the spirit of the Gospel into institutions, schools, homes, into everyday life.”

Addressing the Priests, Cardinal Kutwa noted that, since his retirement, he has been praying for them that their ministry will resemble that of the first two servants in the parable of the talents, who believed in the trust placed in them and made their talents bear fruit. 

“I insist on pointing out that the talents were entrusted, not given away. This calls on you to be imaginative, to take the initiative! God will know how to make them fruitful”, the Archbishop emeritus of Abidjan said. 

According to Cardinal Kutwa, the ministry of Priests will not be defined primarily by a series of specific tasks to be accomplished, but by the sign of Christ the Shepherd, carried by men within the communities to which they are sent.

 “As such, you must exist from Jesus and find in Him the center of gravity of your ministry and your life as a Priest,” the Cardinal said.

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On his part, Archbishop Ignace Bessi Dogbo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan noted that Cardinal Kutwa had given of his youth, his vigor, his singing, his voice, and his health, at the service of the Church.

“You have given your all so that the glory of God may shine forth in the hearts of the faithful of our Archdiocese. Thank you for your work as a servant, reaping both praise and persecution. Thank you for your presbyterate offered to the Archdiocese of Abidjan,” Archbishop Dogbo said.