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MSP Orientation 2018
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October 16, 2018MSP MISSIONARY
ORIENTATION 2018The psalmist declared, “How good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell in unity” (Ps 133, 1). It was with joy that some MSP priests going on mission alongside the 2018 Ordination class converged at the headquarters for an orientation program from 28-30th August 2018. In the words of Very Rev Fr Augustine Ogar, MSP, “the headquarters is the center from where every MSP is sent”. The program officially began with Mass; presided over by Very Rev Fr Ralph Asika, MSP. After the Mass, several presentations which spanned the duration of the program followed. Below is the summary
The Spirit of the Missionary
"...a missionary should have the love of Christ and be a witness to this love."
Very Rev Fr Matthias Efiri Selemobri, MSP reflected on the theme “The Spirit of the Missionary” using MSP Constitutions article 5 #1. According to him, a missionary should have the love of Christ and be a witness to this love. As the love of Christ urged St Paul to carry out his works, this same love should be our inspiration (2 Cor 5.14). It should motivate us to give ourselves for the mission. Since the missionary is sent by the Church, collaboration with others and fidelity to the Church’s teachings is essential in cultivating a sincere missionary spirit.
A Missionary as an Ambassador
"As missionaries, one represents God, his country and family"
Fr. Joseph Numhuange, SMA reminded all the participants that to be a missionary is ‘to go out’. One is sent as an ambassador, to represent the sender. As missionaries, one represents God, his country and family. He urged all not to presume or assume too much. According to him, a missionary should be calm and friendly with the people and his confreres. He should be a good listener, keep boundaries, study and be connected to/with the community.
Missionaries Ought To Identify With the People
"...all missionaries should [be like St. Paul] by identifying with the culture, language, food, and custom of the people to whom they are sent to serve. "
The Superior General, Very Rev Fr Victor Onwukeme, MSP hinged his presentation on St Paul’s address at the Areopagus in Acts 17, 22-28. According to him, since St Paul addressed the Gentiles using Greek poetry to communicate the message of God, all missionaries should borrow a leaf from this by identifying with the culture, language, food, and custom of the people to whom they are sent to serve. However, in presenting something new, the missionary must first consider the dos and don’ts of the people; since every place has its own peculiar ethos. He thus asked all to be attentive to the people they serve.
Living an Exemplary Life
"...all [missionaries are called] to make a difference and live a good, holy and chaste life."
In his presentation, Very Rev Fr Raphael Asika, MSP reminded all that the several cases of sexual abuses on children and vulnerable adults in the clergy are crimes against God and humanity. This is a crime against God and humanity. He held that although researches/investigations have shown that sexual abuse on children and vulnerable adults are not peculiar to the clergy alone, however, the clergy must show evidence of right living owing to the exemplary life they are called to live. He urged all to make a difference and live good, holy and chaste life. He concluded that cultivating a genuine prayer life and keeping healthy professional boundaries are of utmost importance in living a chaste priestly life. To this end, we must obey the words of Jesus to “watch and pray that you may not fall into temptation” (Matt 26,41).
Greatest Asset of the Society Is the Priest
"God never forgets those who expend their energies in His vineyard."
The Bursar General encouraged all to be committed to doing their work; for God never forgets those who expend their energies in His vineyard. He mentioned that the greatest asset of the Society is the priest. He encouraged all to pray for our benefactors and benefactresses who support the Society in order to carry out her mission. He concluded by appealing to all to join in promoting the Society in the missions.
Mass of the Holy Spirit
"It is this wisdom that makes missionaries to leave their homes to preach Christ crucified."
The Orientation program culminated in the Mass of the Holy Spirit presided over by the Superior General. In his homily, he advised all to seek the wisdom of God; the wisdom which confounded the Jews on account of the Messiah’s suffering. It is this wisdom that makes missionaries to leave their homes to preach Christ crucified. For him, only this wisdom will make a missionary a good example in a world bedevilled with evils.
