Not All Catholic Priests Are Roman Catholic Priests!

Wait—Did You Know? Not All Catholic Priests Are Roman Catholic Priests!

Sounds wild, right? But it’s true!

Most of the time when people hear “Catholic priest,” they think of a man in black with a Roman collar, probably under the Pope’s leadership in Rome. That’s the Roman Catholic priest. But here’s the catch:

There are Catholic priests who aren’t Roman Catholic. And they’re just as Catholic!

So, who are these “other” Catholic priests?

They belong to what's called the Eastern Catholic Churches—these are Catholic Churches with different traditions, different styles of Mass, and even… wait for it… some married priests!

These churches include:

• Maronite Catholic

• Byzantine Catholic

• Chaldean Catholic

• Melkite Catholic, and more!

They are fully united with the Pope in Rome, believe in the same core teachings, and receive the same Eucharist—but they don’t always follow the Roman (Latin) way of doing things.

How Did This Happen?

It goes all the way back to a church breakup in 1054 AD, called the Great Schism. The Church in the West (Rome) and the Church in the East (Constantinople) had some major disagreements:

• Who’s in charge? (Rome or Constantinople?)

• Can priests marry?

• What’s the correct wording in the Creed?

• And how much authority should the Pope really have?

So, the Church split—some went the Roman way, and others the Eastern way. Over time, some Eastern groups came back into unity with Rome, but they kept their unique styles, including their own Catholic priests who are not Roman Catholic.

So, What Should We Remember?

• All Roman Catholic priests are Catholic.

• But not all Catholic priests are Roman Catholic.

• And that’s okay! The Church is one big family with many rooms—same faith, different expressions!

Now you can impress your friends at Bible study or catechism class:

“Hey, did you know Catholic priests aren’t all Roman?”

©Rev Fr Prince Chidi Philip

Holy Thursday: A Sacred First for MePriestly vows/promises Renewal Day

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Today isn’t just another day in Holy Week—it’s Holy Thursday, a day rich in meaning, tradition, and grace. But for me, it carries a special, once-in-a-lifetime significance: it’s my first time participating in the Chrism Mass and renewing my priestly vows as a newly ordained priest.

So, what exactly is the Chrism Mass?

Held in cathedrals around the world, the Chrism Mass is a beautiful liturgy where the bishop gathers with all the priests of the diocese. During this Mass, three sacred oils are blessed:

• The Oil of Catechumens (used in baptism),

• The Oil of the Sick (for anointing the sick), and

• The Sacred Chrism (used in baptism, confirmation, and ordination).

These oils will be used throughout the year in parishes—so in a way, today's Mass is a spiritual supply day for the entire Church!

But there's more.

The Chrism Mass is also when priests renew their priestly promises. Standing shoulder to shoulder with brother priests, we respond to the bishop's invitation to renew our commitment to serve God’s people with love, integrity, and joy. It's like a spiritual anniversary reminder—a chance to go back to the "why" of our vocation and rekindle the fire that led us here.

And for me—this year—it’s my first.

My first Chrism Mass.

My first renewal of vows.

My first Holy Thursday as a priest.

As the oils are lifted, and the promises echoed, I silently pray:

"He who calls me is faithful, and He will do it." (1 Thess 5:24)

May this Holy Thursday pour out fresh oil on every priest, every faithful heart, and may the spirit of service and joy be renewed in us all.

© Fada Prince Chidi Philip

Why Nigeria Catholic Church Doesn’t Have Permanent Deacons (Yet) – And Why That Might Change.

One day you might be calling your neighbor not just “Mr. Okonkwo,” but “Deacon Okonkwo”—and that wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. Let's scoop deeper..

In the Catholic Church, when you hear "deacon," most people think of someone on their way to becoming a priest. You know, the transitional deacon—the pit stop before the altar. But lo and behold, there's another type that doesn’t always get the spotlight: the Permanent Deacon.

Think of the permanent deacon as the Church’s version of a Swiss Army knife. He's ordained, wears the clerical collar, preaches at Mass, baptizes, officiates weddings, conducts funerals, and sometimes even pulls double duty as your favorite uncle at family events. But here’s the twist—he doesn’t become a priest, and he might even have a wife and kids at home!

So, who is he? 

A permanent deacon is a man (often married) who feels called to serve the Church not just for a season but for a lifetime—permanently, hence the name. He lives among the people, works like the people, and yet serves like Christ the Servant. He’s a bridge between the sanctuary and the street, the pulpit and the people.

Why is this awesome? 

Because the Church gets more workers in the vineyard! With priests often stretched thin, the permanent deacon can take some pressure off, allowing the priest to focus more on the sacraments and pastoral care. It’s teamwork, really—divine teamwork.

Now, let’s talk Nigeria… You might ask, “If this is so good, why don’t we see more of them in countries like Nigeria?” Good question.

Here’s the scoop: In many African countries—Nigeria included—the idea of the permanent diaconate hasn’t fully taken root. Not because the people aren’t worthy, or the Church doesn’t care, but because of a mix of cultural, pastoral, and practical reasons.

Cultural Perception: In Nigeria, many still see the hierarchy as priest-or-nothing. If you’re wearing a collar, people assume you’re on your way to priesthood. A deacon who stays a deacon? It’s unfamiliar territory. People might start whispering, "Did he fail seminary?" 

Clerical Identity: Some bishops are cautious. They fear that introducing married clergy (even in the form of deacons) could confuse the faithful or blur the lines in a country where clerical respect is deeply tied to celibacy.

Vocations Abundance: Ironically, Nigeria has been blessed with a high number of priestly vocations. So some bishops may feel there’s no urgent need to “supplement” with permanent deacons.

Formation and Structure: Establishing a permanent diaconate program isn’t just about saying “yes.” It requires proper formation, support systems, ongoing training, and clear roles. Some dioceses are still building this infrastructure.

But times are changing… As parish populations grow, priests become fewer in some regions, and communities need more outreach—some bishops are starting to reconsider. The idea of a married man who knows village life, local culture, and Church doctrine is sounding more like a blessing and less like a theological headache.

Permanent deacons may not yet be a common sight in Nigeria, but their time might be coming. They are the Church’s servant-leaders, ready to preach, baptize, and even help set up the church tent when the choir gets too loud. They are proof that the Church has room for more than one path to holiness and service.

Rev. Brothers vs. Permanent Deacons:

Rev. Brothers vs. Permanent Deacons: Who Can get married,  Raise a Family and Who Can’t Even Date?

Rev. Brother

A Rev. Brother is like that super-dedicated guy who said to Jesus,

"I’m all in. No wife, no wealth, just You and Your mission."

He lives in a religious community (like the Franciscans, Salesians, etc.).

He takes vows—usually poverty, chastity, and obedience.

He doesn’t get married. Nope. Not even maybe.

No wife, no dating, no “future Mrs. Just a rev Brother.”

He’s not a priest. That means:

No Mass, no Confession, no Anointing.

But he does a LOT of other amazing things: teaching, helping the poor, youth ministry, you name it!

Now, Meet Permanent Deacon

And yes—he’s a clergy member too!

A Permanent Deacon is ordained through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He’s the real deal. Clergy with a capital “C.”

He can preach homilies, baptize babies, marry couples, bless stuff, etc

But he can’t say Mass, can’t consecrate the Eucharist, and can’t hear confessions.

That’s the priest’s lane.

Permanent Deacons can be married—but only if they were married before being ordained.

Once ordained, if they’re single, they stay single. If they’re married and their wife dies… sorry, no remarriage.

Ten sexual rules for men.

1. Do not sleep with your students, employees, staff, or anyone you have considerable power over. It will definitely not end well.

2. So not be foolish enough to indulge in one night stands.

You could easily be set up or killed if you are known to indulge perpetually.

3. If you must have sex outside your relationship or marriage, make sure you pay for it and ensure there is a virtual receipt of the transaction.

Just in case.....

4. Refrain from promising a woman marriage in order to sleep with her.

It is a gutter behavior.

Also refrain from making promises when you are naked.

90% of the time you will be unable to keep them.

5. Do not sleep with a woman who is in a lower social standing than you. I don't care how beautiful she is.

Especially if you have nothing serious intended with her.

Because all her hopes and dreams will be entrusted to you.... And it is a dangerous place to be.

6. Do not sleep with lady who has nothing going on for herself.

(i.e; No job, No career, No skills, No ambition.... Etc.)

They are most likely to trap you with a pregnancy, to ensure you continue to feed them.

7. If you find yourself using a condom, then you probably shouldn't be sleeping with that particular woman.

8. Stay away from the Ex's of your friends, brothers or family.

Because, human emotions are complicated. Your friends and family may verbally give you the go ahead but deep down they may resent you for it; especially if there are still lingering feelings for the so called Ex'es.

9. In the course of your life, a lot of women will willingly offer you sex.

Be highly selective. Not out of pride, but out of responsibility.

Because the result of sex is pregnancy.

Sleep only with women you are sure can effectively raise your kids.

10. A high body count will mess you up mentally. Many times you will find yourself out of the blue craving sex with a sexual partner from the past.

This is because of the highly chemical and spiritual nature of sex.

Keep your body count low.

A wise king in the bible who Married a thousand wives came out to say...

It's all vanity.

And he died badly....

Learn from his mistakes.

Shei you grab!!!!

Your virgin sharwama husband!!!

#Saimaster

Wealth Looks Like a crime in Africa

In Nigeria — and most parts of Africa — we have mastered the art of demonizing success. We equates poverty with holiness and wealth with wickedness

If a young man is rich:

“Yahoo boy!”

If it’s an older man:

“Ritualist!”

If a young woman is living well:

“Runs girl!” or “Prostitute!”

If she’s older and still doing well:

“Retired prostitute” or “witch!”

At this point, I’m wondering — must someone be hungry and tattered before we believe they are holy?

We have romanticized poverty and baptized it as spirituality — forgetting that riches, too, are a blessing from God.

Let’s flip through the Bible real quick:

Abraham was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2).

Isaac sowed in the land and reaped a hundredfold — the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy (Genesis 26:12-13).

Jacob left with a staff and returned with a nation.

Joseph moved from prison to prime minister, handling the entire wealth of Egypt.

David and Solomon? Their riches would make billionaires today look like beginners. Solomon literally made silver "as common as stones" (2 Chronicles 1:15)!

Now flip to the New Testament:

The wise men who came to Jesus brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh — expensive gifts. They didn’t come with suffering and salt.

Joseph of Arimathea, who gave Jesus his tomb, was a rich man and a disciple (Matthew 27:57).

Lydia, the seller of purple, was a businesswoman who hosted Paul — and purple wasn’t cheap back then (Acts 16:14-15).

Even Jesus Himself had a treasurer (Judas), which means… there was something to manage!

So tell me again — where did we get the idea that being rich means being evil?

God blesses those who worship Him, not only with peace and salvation but also with provision.

Wealth is a tool, not a trap — it depends on the heart of the holder.

Instead of casting stones at the wealthy, let’s ask:

“God, bless me too — and prepare my heart to carry it wisely.”

Because poverty is not a spiritual gift. And heaven is not broke.

Rev Fr Prince Chidi Philip