(ANS – Bo)- First Salesian priests from Sierra Leone were ordained by Rt. Rev. Bishop Charles Allieu Mathew Campbell, Bishop of Bo Diocese, at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Bo, Sierra Leone on 20th July, 2013. The newly ordained priests are Daniel S.A.J. Libby, Edwin N. Tangie and Paul A. Turay. All three new priests hail from Bo city in Sierra Leone.
They celebrated their first Holy Mass in the same cathedral on Sunday, 21st July. In his homily at the ordination, Bishop Campbell extended his blessings to the newly ordained, their parents and well wishers. He also called on the young people present on the occasion to be attentive to the call of God. He exhorted the new priests, “Listen to the Word of God, preach what you hear and practise what you preach.”
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli, Provincial of Anglophone West Africa, thanked the almighty for having allowed the Charism of Don Bosco to take definitive root in Sierra Leone after twenty eight years of Salesian presence in the country. He also thanked the parents of the newly ordained and reminded them, “Giving your Sons to God and to the service of the Church, you lose nothing but gain everything”. To the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement, he said, “Follow the example of the new priests, answer your call and follow the Lord joyfully.” He exhorted the new priests, “Be humble, be joyful and be holy. A priest that is not humble, joyful and holy at the service of the people of God is not a priest at all.” To the congregation gathered for the occasion, he said, “Support your children raised to the altars today with your prayer and guidance.”
The celebrations were preceded by the National Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Convention with the theme “Here I am, as you called me” of the whole of Sierra Leone and representatives from Liberia. A hundred and fifty (150) young people of the Salesian Youth Movement gathered in prayer and reflection. The activities included reflection on themes like the Salesian Youth Movement, Preventive System, Vocation, Call to Holiness and Witness coupled with fun activities, talent show and personal interaction and sharing.
The ordination was concelebrated by Bishop Henry Aruna, Bishop of the Diocese of Makeni and over 50 priests. Several religious and over 1500 faithful participated in the ordination.
Published 24/07/2013
