Rev. Fr. Bernard Asomaning Manu, CSJ, has cautioned that the lifestyle and conduct of some priests and religious men and women are discouraging young people from pursuing vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Preaching during the inauguration of COSRA at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Oyibi on June 14, Fr. Manu said the Church continues to pray for more labourers in God’s vineyard, but stressed that the greater concern is the quality of those already serving, not just numbers.
“The church is not asking for quantity. That any person should enter the seminary or the convent. The church is also asking for quality.”
He warned that despite the presence of labourers in ministry, some are not living in ways that inspire others, adding that in some cases, the witness of clergy is becoming a stumbling block to vocations.
“Because even though, the labourers are few. Those that are already labourers, they are causing confusion.”
Fr. Manu said the behaviour and attitudes of some ministers are directly affecting how young people perceive priesthood and religious life, noting that poor example can weaken attraction to the vocation.
“With our lifestyle, some of us, some young men and women, they don’t even have the desire even to become a priest.”
He listed issues such as lack of respect, pride, and self-centred attitudes as factors that damage the image of ministry and push young people away from the Church’s call to service.
“The way we talk. The way we behave. Lack of respect. We know all. Don’t tell me what I’m supposed to do. We are full of ourselves.”
According to him, such conduct makes it difficult for young people to see priests and religious as role models, ultimately affecting the growth of vocations in the Church.
“And so people see us. And they don’t even have the desire to become one of us. And that makes the labourers few in the vineyard of God.”
Fr. Manu called for prayers for those already in ministry, admitting that many need spiritual and moral support to remain faithful to their calling.
Watch full homily below
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