Arch Samuel Kleda calls on priests to be salt of the earth

Douala Archbishop His Grace Samuel Kleda has called on six newly ordained Jesuit priests to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He made the call in his sermon at the Douala SS Peter and Paul Cathedral on August 2, 2014, while presiding at the Ordination Mass of Rev.Fathers Désire Rigobert Ayina, Harris Tombi, Jules Martial Soh, AubinRoque, Joseph Alpha Lindjo and JulienNdongo.

Mgr. Kleda urged the new priests to preach by example and to be the salt of the earth which never loses its taste, for when it does;it becomes useless and should be thrown away. The Archbishop told the priests that Christ chose them as His companions and sent them into the world to proclaim His Word.

He said every priest is first obliged to receive the message, allow it to transform him and then proclaim it to God’s people. “A priest should preach the Gospel of Christ, and not be concerned about what to eat, because Christ called him to serve his flock,”Mgr. Kleda went on.

Drawing inspiration from the gospel of St.Mathew Chap.5:13-16, the Archbishop said a priest is supposed to shine like a lamp on a lamp stand by doing what Christ demands, not like the lamp hidden under a bowl. “Christ said,‘do what they preach but do not imitate what they do,’” Archbishop Kleda noted. He entreated the new priests, who all belong to the Jesuit Order of Preachers, to do all it takes to serve their brothers and sisters, even if it means to die.

At the end of the Ordination Mass, the Jesuit Congregation Superior General for West Africa, Rev. Fr. Hyacinthe Loua, thanked Mgr. Kleda for making time to preside at the Mass. He said the Society of Jesuits is not only made up of priests, but also of Rev. Brothers. He prayed for more vocations into the brotherhood of the Jesuit congregation. Over 70 priests, several Religious and State officials, including Littoral governor Joseph Beti Asomo, also attended the Mass.

St. Ignatius of Loyola and other young men, including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber founded the Society of Jesus (S.J), also known as the Jesuits in 1534. The Society is engaged in Evangelisation and Apostolic ministry in 112 countries on six continents. Pope Francis belongs to the Jesuit Congregation.