Victor EzejaPopular Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has stated that he was not transfered to the monastery but only asked to go and pray and later return.
Fr. Mbaka made the clarification following rumours that he has been completly removed from the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN).
He said “remember I am not transfered to the Monastery. It’s not on transfer. I am going to the monastery to pray and I will come back. It will not take so long, I’ll join you.”
The clergy made the clarification through a video uploaded in the AMEN Facebook page on Wednesday morning where he said he was proceeding to the monastery under priestly obedience to his Bishop, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga.
He appealed to the adoration members to be calm and stop protest over his absence.
Recall that the Adoration Ministry was shutdown for three months over some controversial issues regarding his comments on sensitive socio-political issues in the country. The ministry was re-opened last Sunday.
READ ALSO: Bishop Bans Catholics From Attending Fr Mbaka’s Adoration
However, the Enugu Catholic Diocese under which Mbaka is serving, brought another priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Amadi to replace him.
The adorers in reaction, protested saying they don’t want the priest brought to replace him.
Mbaka in the video that has now gone viral, said he was going to the monastery to embark on deeper reflections and interior waiting unto the Lord.
He repeatedly pleaded with the adoration faithful to remain calm and back him up in their prayers pending when he is back.
He told the adorers that this is not the time to vent unnecessary anger, adding that the trying time is such that would reveal the true faithful through their actions.
The clergy used various verses in the bible talking about staying calm and overcoming periods of temptation, to admonish the adoration members on the need to be peaceful and accepting the situation with prayers, adding that God would reverse the situation.
His words, “I wish to use this opportunity to bless and encourage you as I depart to the monastery in obedience to my bishop. I want you to remain calm as written in Psalm 46:10.
“This is a time we shall know the real adorers. Please, back me with your prayers so that I will go and embark on deeper reflections and interior waiting on the Lord. I want to remind you of Jeremiah 29:13, God will reverse everything.
“God has good plans for us and not to destroy us. This is not a time to be sorrowful. Be calm and vigilant. Stop every form of protest and demonstration. I love you and I will be with you. God bless you.”
He urged the people not to give the devil any opportunity in their lives.
Explaining why he is departing for the spiritual engagement, he said that as a Catholic priest he was meant to do as the bishop directed under the vow of obedience which everyone of them took during ordination.
“As a Catholic priest under the vow of obedience, I must obey the Mother Church,” he stated.
“In my absence, please don’t do anything that is aweful. Or anything that will in any way give the devil any iota of opportunity for glory. Let us not fall into any trap the devil has set.
“Fellow adorers, help stop any kind of protest that anybody will carry out on my behalf. Instead of the protest helping me, it may jeopardize my priestly call. Therefore, encourage peace and love,” Mbaka told the faithful.
He urged them to cooperate with the new priest posted to the ministry, adding that he is a good man.
Mbaka who told the people that his stay will not be long, charged them to pray for the Enugu Diocese and the entire Catholic Church.
I never Spoke Against Peter Obi Last Sunday
The fiery Cleric also debunked the rumour that he spoke against the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi during the last Sunday Mass at the adoration ground.
Mbaka said he never mentioned Peter Obi on that day.
There is statement circulating on social media platforms purported to have come from the cleric suggesting that he said Obi will be disappointed in the next year election.
Mbaka said that although he has forgiven whoever that originated the rumour, the person should tender public apology for lying against a man of God.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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