Stop worshipping money, Rome's Cardinal warns clergy

Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Joao Cardinal Braz de Aviz (center) with other priests and bishops after the Holy Mass at Sacred Heart of Mary and Jesus Cathedral Lubaga to celebrate day of Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) on Saturday November 10, 2018. (PHOTO BY JULIET LUKWAGO)

RUBAGA - Joao Cardinal Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institute of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life from Rome has challenged clergy to be wary of worshipping money, saying it could spell doom.

Cardinal Braz issued the advice on the idolatry of money while preaching to thousands of clergy at Sacred Heart of Mary and Jesus Cathedral Rubaga, on Saturday.

He officiated at the ceremony to mark 50 years of the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU).

The ceremony was marked under the theme, "In God's Mercy we are no longer strangers but friends," (John 15:15).  Braz de Aviz said the terrible idol of today is money.

"Money commands everything today, money commands power, creates the poor, death, arms, and fear. We do not want to serve money, we want to serve God and put the money at the service of God and our brothers and sisters," the Cardinal added that we cannot serve both money and God.

Braz de Aviz was accompanied by Archbishops and Bishops John Baptist Odama, the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of Kampala, Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo, and John Baptist Bakyenga of Mbarara.

Priests and Bishops after the Holy Mass at Sacred Heart of Mary and Jesus Cathedral Lubaga to celebrate day of Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) on Saturday November 10, 2018. (PHOTO BY JULIET LUKWAGO)

Also bishops present were Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana, John Baptist Kaggwa of Masaka, Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi, Paul Ssemwogerere of Kasana-Luweero, auxiliary bishop of Mbarara, Lambert Bainomugisha, Bishop of Fort-Portal, Robert Muhiirwa, Bishop Vincent Kirabo of Hoima, Franzelli Giuseppe of Lira, Bishop Damiano Giulio Guzzetti of Moroto, Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua, Bishop of Lugazi, Matthias Ssekamaanya, retired Bishop of Moroto, Henry Ssentongo, retired Bishop of Kasese Egidio Nkaijanabwo and several priests including Father Anthony Kibira who translated Braz de Aviz's homily from Italian to English.
  
"It is unfortunate that some consecrated people trust money more than God, said Braz de Aviz.

Braz de Aviz advised religious sisters to always listen first before speaking and learn first before teaching so that others whom they interact with can manifest and redeem themselves. By so doing, they would be communicating from within their hearts.

 "We are called to give our personal services to others in the community as we have received everything freely from God and as a sign of gratitude, we they should thank Him for his abundant blessings," the Vatican Prefect stressed.

He explained that God gave his only begotten son as a sacrifice for the love of humanity and he called on them to live a gratified life by doing his will.

Braz de Aviz revealed that living the teachings of the Holy Father Pope Francis has greatly helped him start a new conversion.
Archbishop Lwanga applauded the religious men and women for their dedicated service.

"This celebration gives us an opportunity to thank you, dear Religious men and women, for the great work you are doing in our local Church in Uganda.

"Kampala Archdiocese, in particular, is blessed to have over 70 various religious institutes of men and women serving God's people in various areas of the apostolate catechism, spiritual renewal, education, health, charity and other social services," he said.

Fr. Joseph Kyeyune, the association Chairman said the celebration calls for deeper reflection and more hard work by the Consecrated Men and Women of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Odama on behalf of his fellow bishops, commended the association for the milestone, and challenged them to be steadfast.
The ceremony was graced by number of nuns from different congregations, including United States of America.