Every High Priest is appointed to serve God and offer Sacrifices for sins (Hebrews 1:1)

The journey to priesthood is long and intensive. The period of formation differs from one region to another. In Nigeria, for instance, seminarians spend no less than ten years in formation, from the propaedeutic, philosophical, to theological formation, unlike their counterparts who study law, medicine, and other careers in conventional universities. The long period of formation is to adequately prepare well-equipped candidates to lead the people of God to the knowledge of Christ.

The whole formation process aims at preparing the seminarian to enter into communion with Christ the good-shepherd. St. Pope John Paul II, in Pastores Dabo Vobis, opines that formation in its different ramifications must have a fundamentally pastoral character. The Vatican Council confirmed this in the decree Optatam Totius, which states so clearly: "The whole training of the students should have as its objective to make the candidates true shepherds of souls after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, teacher, priest, and shepherd.” 

The ceremony of the priestly ordination is a landmark that sets the candidate apart for service in the Church. What happens on the day of ordination remains a mystery that is indescribable beyond imagination. The peak of this ceremony occurs when, as the litany of the saints is being recited, the candidate prostrates himself before the Altar. Soon after, the Bishop lays his hands on the candidate. This is the highpoint of the ceremony signifying an ontological change in the candidate, who has been made into another Christ, participating, and belonging in one priesthood with Jesus Christ, whereby the power of the Holy Spirit is being conferred on the newly ordained. His heart overflows like a river with joy as his long journey and dream come true. This joy resonates among his formators, family, parishioners, and the teeming crowd that comes to cheer the newly ordained.

This significant ceremony marks the end of a journey that still opens a new chapter in the life of the newly ordained priest. The usual routine from rising to the sun’s setting is over. The newly ordained priest begins a new life of freedom, filled with so many responsibilities. He holds a vital role within the Christian community. The priest’s entire work is broadly segmented into three categories, as he shares Christ’s tripartite ministry of sanctification, prophecy, and shepherding God’s people.

The Ministry of Sanctification

The priest shares in the priesthood of Christ. He carries out sacred functions and acts in persona Christi. The ministry of sanctification that he exercises encompass celebrating the sacraments (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Matrimony, including participating in the liturgy of the hours. The priest is entrusted with the administration of sacraments, which are sacred rites that convey divine grace. The most significant of these sacraments is the Eucharist, where the priest consecrates bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ. Through the celebrations of the sacraments, the priest facilitates a profound connection between the congregation and God and also nurtures and strengthens the faith of the faithful. Consequently, in sanctifying the faithful, the priest gains his own sanctification.

The Prophetic Ministry

The purpose of the intensive formation of the priest is to be able to communicate Christ’s message coherently to the people of our time. His primary duty is to preach the gospel in season and out of season. St. Paul confirms this fact when he observes that “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim his Gospel (1 Cor 1:17). He prioritized preaching the Gospel because “faith comes from preaching…rooted in the word of Christ” (Rom 10:17). Therefore, priests are called to be educators of the faith, through homilies during Mass, religious education programs, adult and children faith formation and through other fora. This fosters a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs and moral principles.

The Shepherding Ministry

The ordained minister plays a significant role in shepherding the portion of God’s people entrusted to the Bishop, who in turn, designates it to the care of the pastor. The priest provides pastoral care and support to the parishioners in the spirit of Christ the Good Shepherd, who came to serve and not to be served. He is expected to provide counseling, and spiritual guidance to parishioners in dire need. He walks with them in times of joy and sorrow, comforts the bereaved, and provides support during challenges. He exemplifies Christ’s love and compassion in the mission of saving souls.

In conclusion, the role of the ordained priest in pastoral ministry cannot be over-emphasized. He serves as a minister of the sacraments, a teacher of the faith, and a shepherd of the people of God entrusted to his pastoral care. This has the overriding aim of “keeping in mind the salvation of souls, which in the Church must always be the supreme law” (Can 1752).

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