A woman based in the United States has highlighted the disparities in how Catholic priests are treated in Nigeria and abroad.
The woman, known on Facebook as Chioma Chinaka Chigozie-Okwum, made this statement while reacting to a video of a priest knocking a Mass server on the head.
Chioma reacted by blaming it on how priests are venerated in Nigeria.
She wrote: “I just wish all the priests in Nigeria will be brought abroad here for one year orientation. By the time they finish the one year program their shoulder pad will come down.
“Back home Rev Fr have cooks, steward, laundry man even butler. Then Christian mothers drag who will bring freshly made food in flask for them. The youths wash car for them and do all sorts of errands. All their needs are met by the people of God.
“Rather than become grateful for the grace to live off the goodwill and benevolence of the people of God, some become demigods. Many become abusive.
“The way some will abuse everyone in church because they did not raise enough money and some of them will never come to your aid if you need one. Woe betide you if you are poor, some will never relate with you.
“I wish those with these attitudes would come here and see their mates abroad. Nobody sends you here ooh. You will do your cooking and laundry. You will also work like everyone else for your daily bread.”
In an earlier post, she wrote: “I told my kids that there a video circulating about a priest that hit a mass server at mass for making a mistake. Both of the echoed in unison “ Was it in Nigeria?” I said Yes!
“They said “No wonder”.
“I was curious to know why they said and they were like “Such a thing can never happen here, because of the way the priests here appreciate us for serving at mass.
“In Nigeria there are too many kids willing to serve hence the tendency to take advantage and not appreciate them. Those are the issues ooh my people.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli