Abidjan, 30 November, 2024 / 11:00 pm (ACI Africa).
Jean-Pierre Cardinal Kutwa of Ivory Coast has underscored the importance of recognizing the right moment to step aside, using his retirement from Episcopal Ministry to deliver a message about humility and self-awareness.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving Mass marking his retirement as Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan, Cardinal Kutwa expressed appreciation to all who supported him during the 18 years he served in the Ivorian Metropolitan See.
“You have to know when to leave! Indeed, when one has exhausted one's usefulness, the joyful acceptance of one's uselessness is a great service,” the Ivorian Cardinal said during the November 23 Eucharistic celebration that was held at St. Paul Cathedral of Abidjan Archdiocese.
He added, “The eternally permanent always end up annoying, and love turns to hate! So you have to know when to leave! Yes, I'm leaving, but I'm rejoicing for the Lord, I'm lifting up his name.”
“The Lord’s goodness to me has far exceeded my expectations,” Cardinal Kutwa said.