…As Fr. Anyanwu marks 10th priestly ordination anniversary
Criticisms, among other challenges that confront priests in the day-to-day discharge of the divine call to serve are not enough reasons for priests, who, truly are invited to the priesthood vocation, to abandon or run away from the holy order. Rev. Fr. Ilonu Matthias CMF, the homilist, gave the advice at Mass during the 10th Priestly Ordination celebration of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Anyanwu, Parish priest of St. Timothy Catholic Church, Bayeku, Ijede Deanery, Lagos, recently. He said as Catholic priests, “We are exposed to all manner of criticisms, though unwarranted, and other life challenges” capable of discouraging the priest from focusing on his God given divine mandate to save souls and lead the faithful on the right path.
In his words, “Our divine Master, Jesus was called names, but He remained steadfast. Don’t be dissuaded. “If you spend time with men, you might be called a homosexual. If you spend time with women, you might be called a womaniser. If you associate with the wealthy, you might be called a priest of the rich. If you frequently pray the rosary, you might be labelled a Marian priest.” Fr. Matthias advised Fr. Anyanwu to bear in mind that he cannot please everyone, but to stay focused to his calling. “You are a priest forever, don’t be afraid of what people say. Don’t be successful, but be fruitful.”
He added. The priest described Fr. Anyanwu as an embodiment of prayerfulness, humility, achievement, and a motivator. The Thanksgiving Mass concelebrated by several priests, had in attendance friends and well-wishers, including a large number of societies and organisations from St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos, where Fr. Emmanuel Anyanwu served as Associate Parish Priest before he was assigned to St. Timothy Catholic Church, Bayeku, Ijede Deanery.
