Priests advised against amassing wealth

Nkonya (V/R), Aug. 7, GNA- The Most Reverend Gabriel Mante, Bishop of the Jasikan Diocese of the Catholic Church has reminded the clergy of their calling in the face of societal pressures and the strong desire to amass wealth, which had distracted some to lose focus.

He made the call in a Homily at the ordination of Rev. Richard Akrofi Baafi, 35, at the Nkonya Secondary School over the weekend. Most Rev. Mante noted with concern that in their desire to acquire their physical needs and other properties, the clergy was losing ground to uncontrollable amassing of wealth without ethical considerations. He acknowledged that being a disciple does not mean that one should live a "Spartan life", but however opposed the situation where the clergy accept their dependence on God for their spiritual needs but turn their back to Him when it comes to their material needs. Most Rev. Mante said some priests succumb to pressure from the family and relatives who push financial burden and responsibilities to them and appealed to people "not to lead priests into temptation by making demands from them".

At a thanksgiving service later at Apesokubi in the Jasikan District where the Rev. Father Baafi hails from, Rev Father Gregory Daniels-Akata of Foyer De Charitie (Home of Charity) at Alavanyo Abehenease, admonished the new priest to emulate Prophet Jeremiah in the bible and always tell the people the truth. He appealed to him to identify himself with the problems of the people and be open-minded and not judgmental.