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	Bishop Tasks Priests on Celibacy, Chastity By Vincent Ujumadu The Vanguard July 13, 2010 http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/13/bishop-tasks-priests-on-celibacy-chastity/ AWKA—The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Hilary Okeke, has charged priests to accept celibacy in all its ramifications and live chaste lives. He spoke against the backdrop of allegations of child sex abuse in the Catholic Church by some priests in parts of the world at the ordination of some priests in Anambra State last weekend. Addressing a large congregation of people at the special church service that attracted people from within and outside the country, Bishop Okeke said that for the priests to succeed in their vocation, they must exhibit courage and determination to make a difference among the people of God. "I wish to address you and all priests on an area of particular concern, in the wake of the scandals that are rocking the Catholic Church. We have made a public commitment to celibacy; it is right and fitting that we, priests, accept celibacy in all its ramifications. We are expected to accept and live chaste lives, lives of perfect continence in celibacy. "This involves a rigorous life of self-control and discipline for the sake of the kingdom of God. We are called to imitate Christ who is chaste and who invites us to bear witness to the world to come where there will be no marriage. That witness must be shining in a world that is very liberal with sex and sexual impulses. "The priest must relate to men and women, boys and girls with human and spiritual maturity, with due prudence and in conspicuous purity. In that way, we will be shining examples to all believers in the way we speak and behave. We must be witnesses to the life of resurrection where there will be no marriage and no sexual gratification. "A priest loves the Church if he lives celibate, not as a mere ecclesiastical discipline, but as pastoral charity for motives that are Christological, theological and ecclesiological. Spiritual fatherhood of the priest in the Church demands, explains and justifies the sacrifices that celibacy involves, together with the joy that fidelity brings," the Bishop said.
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