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By Cecilia Ologunagba
Abuja, Feb. 12, 2017 (NAN) A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr Jega Pitto, has urged Christians to pray for their pastors and support them to be fruitful in their ministry.
Pitto, a Priest of Kafanchan diocese, gave the advice at the Thanksgiving Mass of a newly ordained Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Musa, held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Abuja.
He said Christians were fond of depending on their pastors for prayers while they do not remember to pray for them.
The cleric urged the new priest to be mindful of those who would take him away from his priestly calling.
He said “I want you to be a unique priest. The world is in need of priests but not anyone, the world needs the ones that will lead people to Christ.
“The one that is sincere, accountable and holy. You must have these qualities for you to succeed because the world needs holy priests.
“Also, you must help the poor and be a priest to all people. Make yourself available to the sick, prisoners and the afflicted; make Christ known to all people.”
He further said that modernism had always put the question about the existence of God to the people, urging the priest to lead all those confused about their faith to Christ.
The cleric told him to justify the training he received for 10 years by modelling his priesthood.
He added that “ehatever is not in line with God and His Church, don’t do it. Believe in Christ who has called you and fix your eyes on him.
“When you take your eyes off him, the slightest temptation will pull you down. Remember, you are called to priesthood of Christ and you must assume the task of being a prophet,’’ he said.
Responding, Musa thanked God for the gift of priesthood and appreciated the parishioners for their support.
He said “indeed, all glory be to God for this precious treasury of the priestly life.
“A treasure that will never fade till I die with it.
“It is my treasure. One thing I ask of the Lord today: the grace to be a true Catholic Priest with its dignity and integrity intact.
“Today, I am an inseparable bond with priesthood. So, what God has joined together, let no man or woman put asunder.”
More than seven priests attended the Thanksgiving Mass. (NAN)
CIA/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu