Eldoret, 23 April, 2021 / 6:00 pm (ACI Africa).
The Bishop of Kenya’s Diocese of Eldoret has, on the occasion of the ordination of nine deacons to the Priesthood, cautioned them against the tendency to prioritize money in their Priestly ministry, encouraging them, instead, to embrace unconditional service.
“Don’t do it for money. Don’t say you will not serve a person because the offertory is not going to be sufficient. We do not do it for money, but because we have been called to take care of these people of God,” Bishop Dominic Kimengich told the Deacons he was about to ordain Priests in his homily during the Friday, April 23 Eucharistic celebration.
Bishop Kimengich underscored the need for members of the Clergy to offer themselves in service saying, “We have come to the Church not to get anything but to give our lives.”
“As St. Peter says, we Priests are called to be shepherds of the people of God. After ordination, you will be given an apostolate to do, be a good shepherd to the flock that will be entrusted to you,” he further said, and reiterated, “Be a Priest who cares and loves the flock. Those people are there so that you can take care of them.”
He continued in reference to those who will be under the pastoral care of the Deacons who was to ordain Priests, “Love them. Even when there are challenges, be committed to those people. Even when there is one sheep, be a good shepherd to him or her. Commit yourself and feed them.”
