At Chrism Mass, Catholic Bishop in Kenya Urges Priests to Realize “hope-giving, faith-building ministry”

Bishop Oballa went on to explain, “We live in situations where people can quickly lose hope and begin living in fear and under fear, for you do not know who will come for them and take them to which forest; you do not know who will come for you, following what you have said, regardless of your age.”

“God calls us, chooses, and anoints us to communicate the truth; to communicate His justice; to communicate and establish His peace.  We are ordained to rise and preach by Christ and sit down only later to wait for our reward out of His mercy, not on our merit,” he said.

Bishop Oballa appealed, “Preach, dear Priests, at every opportunity; preach at every Mass, even if it’s just a two-minute reflection, and nourish the people of God with His word. People need to hear God’s word so that they can live as free children of God.”

In his April 15 homily, the Kenyan Catholic Church leader, who has been at the helm of Ngong Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in April 2012 said that Priests can also inspire hope in the lives of God’s people through the Sacraments.

“You are ordained and anointed to celebrate the Sacraments, set apart by the Holy Spirit. Indeed, you are stewards of the mystery of Christ and instruments of hope to His people," he said. 

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During the anticipated Chrism Mass, Bishop Oballa also reflected on the holy Oils of Chrism, Catechumens, and the Sick. He said, “The Oils that we bless and consecrate bring God’s life to the lives of the people and give them hope, because a Priest, indeed, is a beacon of hope, calling his brothers and sisters to walk in hope.”

The Sacraments Priests celebrate and administer benefit both the Priests administering them and the recipients. 

“The truth is these Sacraments, these anointing also benefit us. When we anoint the Sick, when we celebrate the Eucharist, when we reconcile God’s people to their Creator in the Sacrament of Penance, we benefit, as we have an opportunity to reflect on our lives,” he said. 

The celebration of Sacraments, Bishop Oballa emphasized, “strengthens and invigorates us.”

In his April 15 homily, the Kenyan Catholic Bishop expressed his awareness of the challenges Priests go through. “Priests are human beings and have their struggles too—sometimes misunderstood as a sign of contradiction,” he said.

“There is something about a Priest that transcends the realities of this world,” he further said, and cautioning Priests against despair amid challenges, added, “Remember that you are not alone; that your fellow Brother Priests are there to strengthen you, to encourage you, to walk with you and accompany you.”

“You also have the support of the prayers of God’s people, the lay faithful whom we serve. The Bishop also has your back. But above all, my dear Priests, we know that Christ will never abandon us,” the Kenyan Catholic Church leader said during the anticipated Chrism Mass on April 15.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.