Catholic faithful urged to pray against new societal values that threaten human dignity

Bishop Camillus Etokudoh of Port Harcourt has called on Catholic faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and pray fervently against the promotion of social vices that are impacting negatively on family and cultural values of the society.

The bishop made the call in his homily at the ordination Mass of eight newly ordained priests for the diocese. The ceremony took place recently at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Creek Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the bishop, the world is changing everyday with several challenges to the spiritual, pastoral, moral and values of life and cultures of the society in the name of scientific or societal development. He expressed concern on the aftermath of the recognition given to same sex union in America and Ireland, describing the same sex union as an abomination and an aberration of societal values and debasement of human dignity.

He  however emphasized that in spite of the challenges of the changing family values, truth as ordained by God in respect of marriage between a man and a woman will always prevail. He remarked: “The truth will always be there for those following the way of God. Culturally and spiritually, marriage is a union between a man and a woman.” He continued: “God is still in control. This phenomenon will come and go; but the truth will always remain.”

The bishop therefore called on Catholic faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, embrace the sacraments, especially penance and reconciliation and be prayerful to counter the social and moral vices that pose serious challenges to the protection of the dignity of the human person, peaceful development, justice and equity in the society as well as peaceful coexistence of all peoples of the world, irrespective of ethnic , religious or colour differences.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, priests, religious, Knights of the Church, representatives of the different deaneries in the diocese and members of the families of the newly ordained priests.

The newly ordained priests for the diocese are: Rev. Pius Ledee Awuba, Rev. Peter Goodluck Deedom, Rev. Christian Obiani Ukoh Rev. Ohaji Casmir Chimaobi, Rev. Mark Odoemene, Rev. Daniel Baridakara Sor, Rev. Dumlesi Nicholas Tor and Rev. Kenneth Barituka Oonee.