Archbishop warns newly ordained priests

By Our reporter

KAMPALA – The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, has cautioned newly ordained priests against clericalism, urging them to dedicate their lives to selfless service to God and the People of God. Clericalism refers to the tendency among some priests to seek status, recognition and personal honours while viewing themselves as superior to the faithful they are called to serve.

Archbishop Ssemogerere reminded the priests that ordination is a call to service and responsibility, requiring them to put the needs of the faithful before their personal interests.

The archbishop made the remarks during the Priestly and Diaconate Ordination ceremony held at St Mary’s Cathedral, Rubaga, on Saturday afternoon, where he ordained nine deacons as priests and elevated six seminarians to the diaconate.

Moments before the sacred rites of ordination, Archbishop Ssemogerere urged the candidates to remain focused on the true purpose of their calling and to resist measuring success by the honours, positions or praise they might receive. Instead, he advised them to follow the example of Christ, who described Himself as the Servant of servants.

The archbishop’s warning directly addresses concerns raised by the faithful during the Synod on Synodality consultations in Kampala Archdiocese back in 2022.

Many Catholics reported that some priests become overly focused on status and honours, appear distant from parishioners, or act as though they stand above the people they are called to serve.

The national synod document identified clericalism as a significant challenge, noting that some clergy develop a sense of entitlement and superiority that leads the laity to view priests as people of a higher rank rather than as servants of the faithful.

The late Pope Francis repeatedly condemned clericalism, describing it as a “scourge” and a form of worldliness that damages the face of the Church.

Speaking during the Mass, the Head of Laity, Emily Ssekitto Mwaka, reinforced the message through a famous story of a boy who asked his father about the priest’s special collar and ordinary shoes. She said the story showed that although a priest belongs to God, he must also walk with the people of God.

Mwaka reminded the newly ordained priests that priesthood is not a promotion. She urged them to walk closely with the faithful they serve, saying their presence among the people should help them feel closer to God.

Rev. Fr. Leonard Sserugo, speaking on behalf of the newly ordained priests, said they would always remember that their journey to the priesthood was made possible by God’s mercy.

Rev. Fr. Sserugo pledged that they would continue to seek the Lord’s guidance as they carry out the responsibilities of the priesthood with humility, faithfulness, justice and commitment. He further invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Uganda Martyrs to guide and support them on their way.

Meanwhile, the ordination Mass drew thousands of the faithful, relatives, friends and parishioners of the candidates, who expressed deep joy through applause and traditional ululations.

Before the Rite of Ordination began, the Archbishop, drawing on the spirit of the day’s liturgy, gently reminded the congregation of the need for calm and reverence. He asked them to follow the sacred proceedings preferably in silence, reserving applause for moments when it would be invited, so that the Word of God and the sacred actions could speak more deeply to the heart.

Despite the counsel, spontaneous waves of clapping and joyful noise broke out as familiar candidates were called forward. When the liturgy reached its most solemn moments, the Archbishop again emphasised profound silence. The assembly largely complied, yet the radiant smiles that remained on countless faces offered a quiet but eloquent testimony to the community’s deep happiness and thanksgiving.

In his closing remarks at the end of the Mass, Archbishop Ssemogerere further cautioned the newly ordained priests against soliciting gifts from the faithful. He advised them instead to humbly accept only what is freely offered from genuine conviction.

Ssemogerere also prohibited any form of fundraising during the first Masses to be celebrated by the newly ordained, reinforcing his call for a priesthood free from the pursuit of personal gain or status.