IGWEBUIKE PHILOSOPHY VIS-A-VIS MUTUAL RELATIONS BETWEEN DIOCESAN PRIESTS AND CONSECRATED PERSONS

Abstract

The working relationship between some Priests and Consecrated Persons in most Catholic Dioceses within our clime would reveal a history of both positive and negative experiences. Often times, the reasons for these negative experiences (which dominates this history) stem from a lack in the collaborative spirit that should exist among them, undue prejudice against each other, feelings of superiority and intolerance, amongst others. As expected, these experiences pose a scandal to the mystical body of Christ which demands otherwise from them. These negative experiences also militate against the effectiveness of the Evangelising Mission of the Church. Thus, this piece is poised to share some thoughts on how Consecrated Persons and Diocesan Priests can work together more effectively, so that together, they can lead the people of God on their journey to Heaven. It employs the principles of Igwebuike philosophy as a theoretical framework. The principles of Igwebuike remind us that we need each other, because to be, is to live in solidarity and complementarity, and to live outside the parameters of solidarity and complementarity is to suffer alienation. To be, is to be with the other, in a community of beings. Thus, if Diocesan Priests and Consecrated persons harness their energies towards a common project, need and desire, they can constitute an insurmountable force in pursuing their collective vision.