Editorial: A Dynamic Priest Should Have No Fear!

By Ireneaus Chia Chongwain

The page has been turned on the recent double-faceted historic event that marked the life of the church that is in Cameroon- the solemn conclusion of Christian Cardinal Tumi’s pastoral governance of Douala Archdiocese and the official presentation of Mgr. Samuel Kléda as the new Archbishop of Douala. The event called for a lot of preparation, meticulous planning and celebration.

In the haze of all these activities, it is possible that within a growing ephemeral and hedonistic mind frame, many saw only the event’s materialistic side, failing to learn the lesson embedded therein.  Underneath the hustle and bustle that marked the event, the biblical allusion that one should not bother about what to eat and what to wear, stood out visibly though many failed to see it.

What was witnessed in terms of priests’ material upkeep was simply astonishing. Christians queued up for hours and kilometres on end to offer gifts to their bishops. One could easily judge how generous Christians could be when they choose to.  Based on this experience, one can conclude that many Christians are even more generous in private and that a dynamic and committed priest can live “exclusively” on the generosity of the people of God entrusted to his pastoral care.

This may sound incredible, but based on the reputation he has established for speaking the truth, Christian Cardinal Tumi said since he became Archbishop of Douala close to 20 years ago, he has never bought a single shirt or pair of trousers.  He said Christians have provided all he has been in need of. Even though he acknowledged receiving almost all he needed from Christians, those who either know Cardinal Tumi well or see him quite often can testify that his wardrobe is not rich in terms of fashionable clothes, latest shoes, much less variety. He says he does not need more than what he already has.

The support a priest receives from his flock is definitely and logically proportionate to the level of trust he instils in them. Perhaps that is why Christian Cardinal Tumi readily shared this secret with his successor Mgr. Samuel Kléda last January 9 as he was being publicly and solemnly presented to the Faithful in Douala.

“For two years now you have been here among us, you have noticed that the Christians here love their Church and your closest collaborators, the priests, can testify that the Faithful like their parishes when everything is done in transparency. They like to be listened to, consulted and involved when decisions are taken. They like to be trusted,” Cardinal Tumi told his successor.

It therefore means when there is trust and respect between the Faithful and their priests, the Church wherever it is found, is bound to go places. It equally means when a priest establishes and builds trust between himself and the Faithful, they become more generous, especially so when they are consulted and involved in the decision making process. They consider whatever decisions are taken as coming from not imposed on them.

Based on the communion seen between the Archbishop and Archbishop Emeritus of Douala and the Faithful, one may conclude, it is  really a crime to be a priest and be in need wherever one is called to shepherd. If and when such communion is absent, there is an urgent need to re-evaluate such a relationship.

Christians can go the extra mile of providing whatever their priests need if they trust their priests- and trust resides in conduct and the respect of promises made. Christian Cardinal Tumi called on people of goodwill to donate money to help him refurbish and build schools and hospitals in Douala Archdiocese and that call was heeded to. The schools and hospitals have been built and are there for all to see. Imagine what the situation would have been if these funds had been raised and used to meet the Cardinal’s personal needs. 

The Faithful continue to take care of him even as he has retired as they continue to contribute generously materially for his upkeep. They have even created a foundation to immortalise his work. Even Mgr. Kléda acknowledged Cardinal Tumi’s detachment from material things last January 9 when he said, “In your life as a Bishop, you kept nothing for yourself, but instead concentrated to provide your church with what she needs for its material survival.” Is it therefore not true that the secret in receiving lies in giving?

Many will argue Christian Cardinal Tumi can have whatever he needs as he is a Cardinal and a Bishop. This could be true, but do not forget that there are many ordinary priests who have forgotten about their material needs as their Christians provide most of what they need. Generally such priests care more for their Christians than themselves. They are called builders. Conversely those who misuse their parish resources are not any happier or richer. To those who offer more, more shall be given. For those who misuse their parish resources, the more they take, the more is providentially taken away from them. It is undeniable, there is a spirituality born from selfless service.