‘Obey your bishop’

DAVAO CITY—Archbishop of Ozamiz Martin Jumoad has called on seminarians to obey their bishops once they become priests.

In his homily during the Baccalaureate Mass for the 24th Commencement Exercises of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary, March 19, the prelate said seminarians should draw their inspiration from St. Joseph, husband of Mary who was obedient to the will of the Father.

“Obedience is very important to the Church. If priests are not obedient to the bishop, then the Church will be divided,” said Abp. Jumoad.

He added that the priest is the extension of the bishop and if a seminarian often criticizes his formator and his bishop, then he might be not fit for the priesthood.

“When you grumble and talk against your formators and your bishop, then you have no business of becoming a priest.”

“You go out and bring peace to the seminary and peace to yourself,” added Abp. Jumoad.

BRING MORE MEN INTO THE CHURCH

He also exhorted the 23 theology 4 seminarians and 29 theology 3 seminarians to increase the participation of men in the Church once they become priests assigned in the parishes.

Abp. Jumoad said that women in the Church outnumber men that is why there is a need to increase their participation whether as ministers or leaders in the community. He, however, called on the faithful not to discount the role of women in the life of the Church.

“When you become a priest, imitate your father. Your father who offered his calvary [of] love for his children,” Abp. Jumoad said.

He said they should also become a good father to their flock, especially in the parish, saying that Christ the Good Shepherd “came to serve and not to be served.”

SILENCE, A FRUIT OF PEACE

The Archbishop of Ozamiz noted that the seminarians must also appreciate and give time for silence and reflection when they become priests soon.

“Silence is the fruit of peace. We need silence to experience inner healing,” he said.

The prelate also added that though they have already finished their academic requirements, seminarians must continue reading books.

He said reading will “bring them everywhere” as it will also fill their hunger and thirst for knowledge. “Read more. Encounter Jesus through your reading,” the archbishop ended.