FATHER MUSAALA HINTS ON EARLY EXIT FROM PRIESTHOOD

Fr. Musaala speaks during an interview in Kampala. File Photo   

By Stephen Kafeero

KAMPALA.

Fr Anthony Musaala, a popular catholic priest who was suspended two years ago from his priestly duties for authoring a letter in which he exposed prevalence of sexual adventure by his colleagues in violation of celibacy oath, has hinted on a possible exit from priest hood.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, the 58-year-old priest, said priest hood was a gift and not something to desperately hang onto.

“Priesthood is not a possession to desperately cling to, but a gift. You receive the gift of priesthood so you can give it back to others completely. This I tried to do until it was no longer possible...My indefinite suspension after two years, looks as indefinite as ever. So be it. Let’s pray for another gift from God's rich store, who knows, it might exceed that of a priesthood which for twenty years, kept me sort of focused.”

Hours after he posted the statement, Fr Musaala’s followers sent messages of encouragement asking the clergy to stay on. One wrote  “I as a former major seminarian always looked up to you as one of the greatest inspiration among the clergy in Uganda, you will always be. I trust you have discerned honestly and as you rightly put it another gift is in the offing. Please keep in the mother Catholic Church...at least forever your home.”

The Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga on March 19, 2013 issued a letter suspending Fr Musaala from celebrating “sacraments and sacramentals, from the powers of governance in accordance to the law of the Church Can.1335 and1336§1n.1, 2and3” as until the conclusion of investigations into his letter.  But the Catholic Church has been silent on his predicament since.

Full statement

 “I was never a ''model'' priest, though some may think so. I don’t think I could stand in the ranks of Msg Ngobya or even our beloved Cardinal Wamala, who are unimpeachable. If I was ever a priest at all, it was by what I would call an ''accidental grace'' . Priesthood is not a possession to desperately cling to, but a gift. You receive the gift of priesthood so you can give it back to others completely. This I tried to do until it was no longer possible...My indefinite suspension after two years, looks as indefinite as ever. So be it. Lets pray for another gift from God's rich store, who knows, it might exceed that of a priesthood which for twenty years, kept me sort of focused. Priesthood and I may have to part ways...in the nicest possible way of course. Early retirement rather than resignation is what seems to be in the offing. And if Popes can retire well..........”

CREDIT: DAILY MONITOR