The former Prefect, Congregation for Divine Worship, Order and Discipline of Sacrament, Vatican City, Rome, Francis Cardinal Arinze has described priesthood as a vocation of selfless service, dedication and submission of life journey.
Francis Cardinal Arinze was speaking during a Pontifical High Mass at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, GRA, Awka, to commemorate Christmas party for elderly priests within the diocesan Priests Welfare Home, Awka.
He said priests should be supported always, especially now, that some of them are resting from the work done in God’s Vine Yard charging the young priests to work hard, live in peace and happiness.
Speaking shortly after the mass at the welfare home, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor said aging is a blessing that requires support, care, love and companion especially at this stage of life for them to know that their efforts were not in vain and thanked Francis Cardinal Arinze for being in their midst.
Later in an interview, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, who defined priesthood in the Catholic Church as the father of all, stated that it behooves on the lay faithful to remember the services they rendered even as he said that it will help the younger priests to relax in their vocation having seen the best care given to the elderly.
In an address of welcome, the Director, Diocesan Priests Welfare Home, Awka, Reverend Father Emmanuel Udu said the priests at the welfare and other residential homes need financial and moral supports and most importantly love.
Present during the Pontifical High Mass were the Bishop of Ekwuluobia Diocese, Most Reverend Peter Okpalaeke, the state Head of Service, Barrister Harry Udu, former ABS Managing Director, Lady Chinwe Nnedum among many others, while blessing of the new Grotto, built at the home, cutting of cake, and other Christmas programmes formed the highlight of the celebration.
Correspondent, Amaka Chibuzor Okoye reports that the home is housing priests from both Awka and Ekwulobia Dioceses ordained between 1965 and 1981.
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