The Catholic Bishop of Wau said it is only the power of Jesus Christ that sustains a man in his priestly vocation and ministry.
Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak said this today at Holy Family Cathedral in Rumbek during the ordination of deacon Marko Tong Dihany to the priesthood.The bishop emphasized that the values that priests witness through their lives and ministry are not earthly but heavenly.
Bishop Deng explained that only those called by God to the priestly ministry can truthfully respond and be graciously sustained by Jesus Christ.
He reiterated the need for priests to carry out their ministry in the manner Jesus did, warning those who attempt to be priests for money, prestige, power and authority that they will fail.
Bishop Deng said Fr Tong’s ordination was an act of God’s consolation for the faithful of the Diocese of Rumbek who have been mourning the death of Bishop Caesar Mazzolari for the last nine months.
The newly ordained priest, Fr Tong, thanked all those who have supported him to reach the Holy Orders, among them, the bishop who ordained him, the diocesan administrator of Rumbek, the priests and religious, his parents and other members of his family.
The colourful and well animated ordination was witnessed by close to two dozen priests, a host of religious, hundreds of laity, including government officials and members of Fr Tong’s family.
Fr Tong, 34,Ê is a native of Gordhim Parish of Wau diocese.
Gordhim was until last year under the pastoral care of Rumbek diocese.