At Maiden Priestly Ordination in Recently Erected Nigerian Diocese, Bishop Cautions against “personality cult”

The 53-year-old Catholic Bishop went on to highlight the qualities of a pastoral servant, including humility, selflessness, compassion, empathy, and attentive listening.

Unlike public servants, who focus on physical and material concerns, Priests are called to guide and protect their flock spiritually, he said. 

“In a world where people are struggling for positions of power and privileges, Jesus teaches us that leadership is about self-sacrifice,” Bishop Musa said, and called upon the five Priests-elect to give heed to Jesus’ call for humility during their Priestly ministry.

“We must live a life that is worthy of our Christian calling; we must live a life that is worthy of our vocation,” Bishop Musa said, and added, “Priests should focus on collective well-being rather than personal glory.”

He emphasized the need for Priests to be true servants”, addressing challenges that the people of God under their pastoral care face.

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The Nigerian Catholic Bishop cautioned against “personality cult”, which he said “manifests itself in the church when people focus on idolizing a gifted person more than they idolize Christ.”

“Jesus spoke vehemently against personality cult when He said He who is greatest among you must be your servant, and whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” he said, referring to Matthew 23:11.

Bishop Musa called upon the five Priests-elect to cultivate a spirit of self-sacrifice and to be devotion to their Priestly ministry. 

The five Deacons ordained Priests include Samaila Nura Emmanuel, Lazarus Amen Terumbur, Yusuf Musa Abubakar, Chibuzo Victor Somadina, and Bello Kelvin Michael.

Abah Anthony John contributed to the writing of this story