Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Being a priest in a country where the kidnapping industry spares no one (see Fides, 25/5/2023) requires a lot of courage, as well as deep faith, love of neighbor and missionary zeal. These are just some of the peculiarities that have characterized the journey of the three new priests of the Society of African Missions (SMA) ordained on July 13 in Abuja.
"This year, in the Society of African Missions we have had 18 new priestly ordinations. Abah Alexander Idoko, Diemkwap Robert Thomas and Yohanna Zachariah, the three Nigerian confreres ordained on July 13 will go on mission to Sierra Leone, Togo and Nigeria respectively", explains Father Antonio Porcellato, SMA Superior General, to Fides.
The Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, expressed great encouragement and urged the three young men to "promote hope and contribute to the growth of the Christian faith in their priestly ministry." During his homily held at the Holy Family Life Camp headquarters, Monsignor Kaigama told them: "Be messengers of hope, animators of faith communities and spiritual guides, being a voice of truth, justice and peace." He also warned them against individualism and attachment to personal things.
The Archbishop of Abuja also expressed words of appreciation for the great contribution that SMA members have given to the formation of the Christian faith in the West African nation for 160 years. "They planted the mustard seed that grew to full maturity. We are the product of their commitment of love. We thank those brave missionaries, whose lives have been characterized by selflessness, responsibility, humility, generosity of heart, and blind obedience. They gave without counting the cost", he said. (AP/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 17/7/2023)
