Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has advised priests to maintain selflessness and dedication to priestly call and duty.

The archbishop gave the advice during the Chrism Mass held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, in Abuja on Wednesday.

He also said that the priestly ministry was both a privilege and an opportunity of grace that could not be measured by any human means.

The archbishop, who emphasised the priceless nature of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, said “No price greater than Jesus’ bloodshed for man’s sake.”

Mr Kaigama, highlighting the spiritual rewards of the priestly vocation, said that God’s love and redemption were far more valuable than any material wealth.

The archbishop said that the Lord’s reward was more than dollars, naira, or pounds.

“The Lord offers us His love and redemption through the price He paid on the cross. There is no peace greater than His forgiveness, and there is no price greater than His bloodshed for our sake,” he said.

Addressing the congregation of priests, religious and laity, Mr Kaigama expressed gratitude for a successful 2024 Cathedraticum held on March 20, 2024.

He emphasised the importance of unity among priests and their commitment to serving God and His people.

The archbishop, while blessing the oils of the sick and catechumens and consecrating the oil of chrism, urged all to pray along with him.

The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic archdiocese. It is held on Thursday or on another day of Holy Week.

During this Mass, the priests, deacons and representatives of the entire archdiocese gather around the archbishop, who blesses the Holy Oils used for sacraments in the coming year.

(NAN)