‘The priests represent Christ on earth’
I am being inspired by priests and their religious life, but I do not want to become a priest. Vocation can simply be defined as a way of life, one’s profession, a career or job that gives one fulfillment in life. I like the vocation of priesthood because they are being drawn closer to God in their ministerial duties, they make efforts in living a holy life at all times and they are always in the vineyard of God. Moreover, the vocation of the reverend sisters is also amazingly good because, they are unique in the things they do in order to draw others to God. Some make the bread used at the celebration of the Holy Communion, helping in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass, while others take care of the orphanage homes, schools, hospitals, organising retreats, helping in teaching catechism etc. The priests represent Christ on earth ‘Persona Christi’ a unique role; by hearing confessions, counseling, breaking the word of God down to the understanding of the people of God etc. I also love them because they are expected to live a life of total commitment to God with a great devotion to prayer. In conclusion, being a priest is not easy, therefore, they need our constant prayers in order for them to be able to perform their duties effectively here on earth.
• Onojigheduo O. Gregory – Ss. Mulumba and David, Lawanson, Surulere Deanery.
‘I like how priests listen to confessions and give counselling’
A priest is someone ordained by the Bishop to work for God. What I like about the Priesthood is the way the priests sacrifice their time preaching the word of God and representing Him in the Church. They explain the Bible, preach and answer questions to make sure the parishioners understand the preaching. The best part of it all is how they do the work of God: By assisting in developing the Church and members, organising different programmes in the Church and building outstations. I also like how they listen to confessions and give counselling.
• Iwuoha Michael Daberechibuzor, St. Michael Catholic Church, Ketu, Maryland Deanery.
‘Religious life is a vocation in which members live in a community with a mission’
A priest is someone who preaches the gospel of the Lord to the people. They do not marry; they take chastity as a vow. Church members should respect and obey their leaders because they are representing Jesus Christ. A priest should be good and pure, priests will constantly desire that people be converted. During Mass, the priest uses the chalice (a large cup) used to hold the wine, which represent the blood of Christ, the ciborium, the altar candles, and purificator. Religious life is a vocation in which members live in a community with a mission. Basic religious communities are monastery, cloistered, contemplative, apostolic, and missionary. I like the priesthood because they are religious leaders ordained to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God.
• Mimi Gomez, Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos Island Deanery.
‘Vocation to the Priesthood is a response to the love of God in one’s life’
I want to be a Priest when I grow up. I want to be the first Priest in my family. When celebrating the sacraments, the Priest as an Altar Christus, I want to be a channel of grace that will enable people experience the love and compassion of God. Being a Priest will make me intercede for the whole world through the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Vocation to the Priesthood is a response to the love of God in one’s life. I like the self sacrifice that is aimed at restoring and recovering God’s love to the world. The world is currently full of corruption, especially the city we are living; I want to bring people to God. Open to God’s love, His promises and His will.
• Afolabi Matthew Olayemi, St. Cyprian Catholic Church, New Oko Oba, Agege Deanery
‘The priesthood vocation is a call to love others’
The word “priest” is derived from the Greek word – elder. A priest participates in Christ’s identity; a committed spouse of the church, shepherd of the flock and divine healer. He celebrates the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Mass. The priesthood vocation is a call to love others. To paraphrase St. John Moore Vianey, “man is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for others. Jesus called men to be his apostles to lay down their lives so that others may have lives. The priesthood is the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. God calls men with different backgrounds, personalities and gifts to be priests. What all priests share in common is the one priesthood of Jesus Christ, serving people with their hearts. The priests also encourage people to attend Mass, pray the Rosary, read the Bible and add more efforts in their spiritual activities. I would like to be a priest to be able to partake in Christ’s ministry and help others be good followers of Jesus Christ.
• Munachi Leonard Osuagwu, St. Michael Catholic Church Ketu, Maryland Deanery.
