In his homily at the diaconate ordination of James Thaki, on the 25 June 2024, the Archbishop of Johannesburg, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale spoke of today’s culture that denies human integrity and honour. He said when one looks at public service one sees a culture that no longer speaks of people first, noting the display of arrogance by some of the public servants, a culture of prioritising personal satisfaction. It was against this background, he said, the he would like to speak about the role of the priesthood.
The newly ordained Deacaon James Thaki kneels before Archbishop Tlhagale at the Presentation of the Book of the Gospels | Photo: Sheldon Reddiar
Among many things he highlighted the Archbishop said, “even though there are many years between our lives and the life of Christ, whom we claim to follow, we are still encouraged to imitate the simplicity and poverty of life our master has taught”. He emphasised on the simplicity of lifestyle adding that simple lifestyle will not demand a lot of money.
Regarding the relationship between a priest and parishioners Archbishop Tlhagale advised that a priest should be a man of all parishioners, whether they have money or they do not have money. “We should not allow ourselves to be dictated by those who have means,” noted the Archbishop. He warned that it is wrong, and it will always be wrong, to take directives from those who give. “Those who give should give off the generosity of their hearts.” He went on to say that a priest should be a friend of the poor. “It is good to have people who have things, but they should not dictate because of what they have.” On things immediate and practical like funenals the Archbishop said even if some of the bereaved families may be owing the church some money and want to bury their family member they should not be denied a burial. Your vocation is to serve, especially those who do not have.
“It is good to be humble,” advised the Archbishop, who also said it is good to submit oneself to those who seek help and prayers. “We often send people away with out arrogant attitude,” Archbishop Tlhagale noted, saying also that the secretaries of parishes at times pretend to be priests themselves and want to give orders. He advised that parish secretaries should be people who facilitate the help of people in need, and not make them feel guilty or want to protect a priest.
“Priests are to promote the values of integrity and honour; honour to the oaths we have made and the vows we have taken,” He reminded that priests are called to be examples of good behaviour, because that is what will inspire people, and will give them hope and strength. He said priests should live according to the rules and norms of the Church.
As he continued his homily the Archbishop noted that ordinary people expect priests to be holy men, to be men of God. He said it leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many when priests abandon their vows and end up being abusers, noting in particular sexual abuses. “It important that as priests we consciously seek to be good persons. To be good leaders and witnesses of the Gospel.” Another important thing he noted was that it is important that priests are seen and known as men of prayer, so that those who see them pray may also be encouraged to pray. “That conversation with God should be a pillar of every priest, noted the Archbishop, adding that prayer can also be used to shield priests against their own human weaknesses. “Prayer should become central,” he emphasised.
Talking about the availability of priests the Archbishop remarked that priests should make themselves readily available, “We are ordained in order to be available to the community we serve.” He said priests are ordained to serve people, especially in those times when there is a need for a priest’s role; during bereavement to have a priest around to offer prayers, when people are ill and in need of prayers for healing. He said in those moments they don’t need a funeral leader, they don’t need extraordinary ministers of communion, they need a priest. He concluded by saying while it might seem he was addressing the one being ordained he was actually addressing the priests that are surrounding him. Deacon James Thaki comes from St. Pius in Mofolo, Soweto.
