By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged priests in the vineyard to shun wealth acquisition at all cost and tend the flocks alone.
Ezeokafor, who gave the charge while delivering a homily to mark this year's Chrism Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Anambra State capital, urged the priests to continue in their onerous task of winning souls for Christ.
According to Ezeokafor, Catholic Priests have no business with accumulation of wealth as they have no child and family aside the faithful.
He also exhorted catholic faithful to always support their priests spiritually, physically and materially, saying that as followers of Christ, they should understand that priests are Christ's representatives on earth and deserved to be encouraged and protected.
On State of the nation, the Prelate described the situation as terrible but urged all to persevere.
"'Is it the Cashless economy? the untold hardship caused by it? It is really a bad experience. Many businesses collapsed. Movements was halted. No physical cash to move around. People lamented and cried. Nevertheless, we must continue the struggle of faith, the nation and what have you. It is important we continue the struggle. I thank you all for your steadfastness,'' Bishop Ezeokafor said.
On Cathedraticum, Bishop Ezeokafor described it as annual celebration that should be celebrated by all Catholic faithful in the Diocese and beyond, explaining it was a time set aside for parishioners to pay homage to their Diocesan bishop.
He further noted that Holy Thursday observation was a spiritual reawakening moment for all and sundry and urged Christians to imbibe the spirit of prayerfulness and be steadfast in pursuit of heavenly goals.