Bishop Mamza Calls On Catholic Priests To Serve People Without Discrimination

By Jessica John Bakari

The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, who is also the state chairman of the Christain Association of Nigeria (CAN) Doctor Stephen Dami Mamza has called on catholic priests in the diocese to continue to be faithful to their priestly commitment and serve people without favor or discrimination.

Mamza made the call during the chrism Mass celebration in which priests in the Diocese, leaders and representatives of the laity converged on Saint Theresa Cathedral Jimeta.

He explained that the Chrism Mass is celebrated annually in all Dioceses by Catholic Bishop in commemoration of the institution of the holy Eucharist and institution of the priesthood.

The Bishop stated that during the special mass, Priests renew their priestly vows and declare their commitment that they will continue to seve Christ Jesus and humanity faithfully and truthfully.

He reminded the priests that they are servants of God , stressing that they are to serve and not to be served, urging them to always be humble and patient just as Christ Jesus was while on earth.

He expressed dismay at the way insecurity has kept escalating in Nigeria as politicians divert public funds, lamenting that bribery and corruption have become the order of the day.

During the mass,the bishop consecrated three oil which are the oil of the sick,oil of chrism and oil of catechumen which are to be distributed to parishes in the Dioceses to be used throughout the year in the sacrament of Baptism, confirmation and consecration of the Altar.

Highlights of the special mass celebration were the appointment and administration of oath of office on the new dioesan consultors by Bishop Dami mamza, erecting of new parishes and announcement of two new parishes and the deans in charge.