Priests Of Buea Diocese Hold Annual Retreat Under The Theme: “Father Make Me Pleasing To You”
Priests of the Diocese of Buea together with their Bishop, His Lordship Michael Bibi, are currently on an annual retreat at the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre, in Molyko Buea. This retreat which opened in the evening of Sunday October 27th, 2024, is holding under the theme “Father Make me pleasing to you” , which is drawn from Acts 10:34.
Annual Retreat for Priests, 2024
This annual retreat of the priests of Buea Diocese provides an avenue for the priests to have recollections, reminding themselves of who they are and giving them time to pray together, thanking God for their vocation and praying for God’s continuous watch , strength and wisdom as they exercise their ministry in His vine yard.
Rev. Fr. Paschal Siben
Speaking on the first day of their recollection, Rev Fr. Paschal Siben, while drawing inspiration from 2 Cor 12:7-10, focused on how priests can make their work pleasing to the Lord. He referenced St. Paul’s cry to God to remove the thorn in his flesh; a weakness which made him frail before God. He reminded his brother priests that God did not remove the thorn and then St. Paul understood that the thorn made him to realize he was weak and that he needed God more in His life.
Priest’s recollection at Pastoral Centre
This story of St. Paul he says should remind priests and Bishops that their weaknesses should not make them fall short of God’s Glory but rather it is meant to bring them closer to God.
“There is no perfect priest or Bishop, we all strive for holiness. Things that draw us more to God are not our achievements but our thorns (failures). Don’t let people’s critics about your humanity discourage you from the work you do, rather let it make you depend more on God” Rev. Fr. Siben Noted.
The recollection of priests will continue till Friday November 1,2024.
