As Priest, “be outward looking, be for others”: South African Bishop at Ordination

“Be a Priest for others. Like the prophet Jeremiah you have been called, appointed and chosen to be a prophet to the nations. Not to the select few, but to all God's people wherever you may be sent to proclaim the good news,” the Bishop of Kroonstad further said.  

Still making referencing to Fratelli Tutti, he said, “Pope Francis calls to the Church to care for the greater human family in fraternal love.”

Fraternal love, the Bishop said, addressing himself to the Deacon who was to be ordained a Priest, “will only happen if you lead by example. By keeping your eyes on God alone in the service of God’s people.”

Inspired by the Gospel reading where Jesus proclaims, “I am the good shepherd, I know my own and my own know me,” the Prelate urged Deacon Thabang to be a “Shepherd like Christ.” 

“The people of God in the Church and in our Diocese are not looking for an ordinary young person they are looking for someone that stands out, that is different,” Bishop Holiday said.

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He added in reference to the people of God, “They are looking for a Priest, they are looking for a Shepherd like Christ. I hope in your years as a Priest you will be able to say I know my people and my people know me.”

The 68-year-old Prelate went on to say that being different can only be experienced if “the people you serve feel loved by your priesthood.”

“I hope in your years of formation you have come to know the love of God for you, for you cannot love others without loving yourself and knowing the power of God’s love for you,” he told Deacon Shilane. 

The Bishop further encouraged the Deacon to be united with his Local Ordinary and members of the Clergy in his Diocese “to build the faith, hope and love of God’s people.”

“Keep before you as your model the good shepherd who came not to be served but to serve,” Bishop Holiday underscored.  

The Local Ordinary of Kroonstad further challenged Deacon Thabang to aim at pleasing God above humanity.  

“Thabang, you don’t have to please the Bishop; you don't have to please your brother Priests; you don't have to please the people you serve,” Bishop Holiday said December 5.

He continued, “The only person you need to please is God who called you to seek those who are lost and bring them back to the family of God.” 

The Bishop also called on the Laity, Clergy, Religious men and women in the Diocese to “love and support your new Priest.”

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Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.