The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Callistus Onaga, has advised priests against misleading their members with false teachings and to teach them the truth about Christ.

Mr Onaga gave the advice in a homily during a Chrism Mass held at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, on Thursday.

The Chrism Mass is celebrated on Holy Thursday, on which priests renew their vocation with the oil of Chrism.

According to him, priests should be careful of what comes out of their mouths as people believe in them and call them ‘Father’.

He stressed that their call was a divine trust to herald the word of God given to them and urged them to do it conscientiously.

“Our words matter a lot, not just when we are in the church but wherever we find ourselves. Our flock calls us Father because they believe that we have been transformed. We should teach people true words.

“If your words are lies, you are teaching your parishioners to lie, and you are teaching them to tell lies and give false witnesses,” Mr Onaga said.

The cleric explained that Reverend Fathers were the custodians of the word of God, adding that they should refrain from false preachings and prophecies.

“We should not compare ourselves with other pastors because, to him to whom much is given, much is expected. We have a very sacred juice of priesthood.

“The word of God is sacred and should not be defiled, and the priest is the dispenser of the word of God in his place with the people of God,” he said.

He added, “You were anointed at ordination with the oil of Chrism. So, no matter how wrinkled the hands are, they have the oil to sanctify and offer sacrifice through the people.”

He charged them to possess a Christlike heart with love, saying, “Priesthood is love, and our lives should give true love to our flock because that is what we received during our ordination.

“It is love in us that will define what we teach our members; you don’t abuse them but teach them the word of God with love, and that which comes from Christ we represent should dominate everything we do.”

Mr. also admonished them to do away with unforgiving anger, greed, selfishness, and pride and to engage in the work of God with love and humility.

(NAN)