A Catholic priest in Abuja, Sam Tumba, has enjoined faithful not to hesitate with taking COVID-19 vaccines as the church’s head, Pope Francis, has taken his own jabs.

Mr Tumba, the parish priest of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wuse, Zone 2, said that COVID-19 vaccines were meant to prevent virus and in turn save lives.

“We have no reason to doubt the veracity of the production and administration of the vaccines.

“The Pope has taken the vaccine, so also the Archbishop and so church members should go ahead to take them.

“We should not allow ourselves to be misled by people propagating conspiracy theories about the vaccines,” he said.

The priest gave the advice at the ordination of five deacons as Catholic priests which also marks the 40th ordination anniversary of the Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, at the SS Peter Catholic Church, Nyanya, on Friday.

Mr Tumba encouraged the newly ordained priests to remain focused and humble, noting that their ordination would greatly impact the church in the area of workforce.

He urged the ordained priests to be cautious and act Christ-like before the people of God.

Quoting the biblical book of Acts of the Apostle, chapter 1, verse 8, he said the ordination would prepare the priests for the universal mission of salvation.

The priest added that the journey of the five into priesthood began about a decade ago, while urging them to devote their lives to taking care of the needy in the church.

He, therefore, called on policy makers, who are members of the church, to help the church take its rightful place in the country.

The five newly ordained priests are Reverend Fathers Humphrey Ayegba, Joseph Dankyang, Micheal Nzumeang, Peter Agbo and Emmanuel Okonkwo.

The highlight of the ordination witnessed the investiture of priesthood robes on the ordained priests and anointing of their hands.

Also, the Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, congratulated the priests for their journey into the priesthood.

Mr Onaiyekan urged them to keep in mind the purpose of their ambitions to do the work and as well build the church of God.

One of the ordained priests, Joseph Dankyang, said that his love for priesthood and their lifestyles spurred him into becoming a priest.

Mr Dankyang said this led him into deriving joy in the vocation while thanking priests who came his way during the journey for inspirations which led him to becoming a priest.

(NAN)