A Priest Who Is He Amongst You

When Chirstian lay people don't understand the priestly life, priests cannot fully function among them, according to a local priest Fr. Fidelis Igwenwanne, who has written a book on the subject.    Fr. Fidelis Igwenwanne is a Nigerian born priest currently serving Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, is completing his doctoral dissertation on missions from Urban University in Rome. He has published "A Priest Who Is He Amongst You" an exploration of the relationship between laity and priests.    Don't expect to read this book as you might read most other books. It is designed to give more than mere information. It offers the reader a broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the nature of the preisthood and the personality of a priest, expecially his duality, (an ordinary man and a man of God) amidst God's people, as he operates within them and in whom they deal with daily. The book helps people understand priests' behavior, their daily life in the parish and strengthens their ability to love, to deal closely and more realistically with the priest.    "It's not as though a priest is walking through the water and water isn't touching him," Igwenwanne said. "People need to understand the personality of Priests and the dignity of the priesthood."    It's ultimate goal is a more satisfying and enlightened grace filled relationship with priests throughout your life which will ultimately lead you to God in the life to come. To absorb it's rich message into your being will require time, reflection, application, and persevering practice.    "You can't be a priest only at the altar - you must be one wherever you are. A priest must conduct himself as a priest in relationships with women and all parishioners and must exemplify a virtuous life," he said.    Priests live a dual life as men of God who are also ordinary men. As men they are prone to human mistakes and weaknesses, live with material difficulties, and are threatened by isolation. Priests must be understood - both as mediators between God and man, and simply as men.    Priestly dignity is directly connected to the Eucharist, which only priests can perform. Catholics believe that communion offered at Mass literally becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ at the priest's words, "This is my body" and "This is my blood." "The priesthood has not been transmitted by heredity. There is only one priesthood, the priesthood of the unique Son of God. God himself descend on the altar. He comes whenever they call him, and places himself in their hands - even should they be his enemies," says Fr. Fidelis Igwenwanne. He hopes his book will increase understanding of priests.    Rev. Fr. Fidelis Igwenwanne is a priest of Issele-Uke diocese, Nigeria. He hails from Issele-Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State. He holds degrees in Theology from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome. He is now pursuing studies leading to his PhD in Missology at that same University.    Before Fr. Fidelis went to Rome for further studies he was actively involved in the work of New Evangelization, the clarion call of our Holy Father Pope John Paul II. Since his ordination on 28th April, 1990, Fr. Fidelis held many pastoral appointments of responsibility both at the national and diocesan level. Before going to Rome, those held were: Director of Emmaus International School of Evangelization, where many people from Nigeria and other parts of Africa had been trained on the modern skills of evangelization; National Director of the Association of Co-Coordinators of Schools of Evangelization in Nigeria; he was a member of African Continental ACCSE; Principal Assistant Secretary of Issel-Uku diocese: and Chaplain/Spiritual Director of catechists of Issele-Uku Diocese; Chaplain/Spiritual Director of Catholic Youth Corp. of Delta State, and parish priest of St. James, Ubulu-Okiti among others. Now he is the President of the Association of Nigerian priests and Religious in Rome. Fr. Fidelis has won the admiration of all by his scintillating, and powerful preachings, his ardent pastoral zeal and his exemplary priestly life.    He is author of two other books, namely: Come Holy Spirit, and God the Father of Love.

"A Priest Who is He Amongst You" by Rev. Fr. Fidelis Igwenwanne is available at Our Lady of the Lake Gift Shop, inside the Catholic Church on Daytone Avenue. The price is $9.00.

You may also obtain copies by calling (928) 208-2952 Mail in your order to: Our Lady of the Lake Church, Fr. Fidelis Igwenwanne 1975 Daytona Drive Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

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