A day before his brutal attack on a highway by gun wielding men suspected to be herdsmen ambushed him, Rev Fr Solomon Atongo wrote about the consequences of k!lling a Catholic Priest.
The Priest was however, gunned down on the 24th of May and left for d3ad while 2 passengers in his vehicle were taken into the bush and have not been seen or heard from, according to the Church community members.
Speaking via a message posted on his Facebook page Fr Solomon enlightened & cautioned but the wicked world refused to hear him.
His message:
KILLING A CATHOLIC PRIEST IS AN IRREPARABLE LOSS TO THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY:
Training a Catholic priest is among the most sacred, demanding, and costly undertakings within the life of the Church. It is a commitment that stretches across nearly a decade, marked by profound sacrifice, intense intellectual formation, spiritual refinement, and considerable financial investment. It is an undertaking not of mere profession, but of VOCATION—a call that forms a man into a vessel of grace and service.
The formation process, typically lasting ten years, encompasses rigorous studies in philosophy, theology, scripture, canon law, liturgy, ethics, and pastoral ministry. These are not simply academic exercises; they shape the MIND, CONSCIENCE, and CHARACTER of the seminarian. Every lecture, every examination, every reflection is part of a greater molding—a gradual conforming to the heart and mission of Christ.
But the INTELLECTUAL FORMATION is only part of the journey. The spiritual formation is equally demanding, requiring daily prayer, frequent confession, spiritual direction, silence, and community life. The seminarian must undergo a DEEP INTERIOR CONVERSION—stripping away pride, embracing humility, and cultivating the virtues of patience, obedience, and charity. He must learn not only to speak about God but to know Him intimately.
PASTORAL FORMATION is no less vital. The seminarian is sent to the field—to parishes, hospitals, schools, and missions—where he confronts human suffering, joy, doubt, and hope. There, he learns the sacred art of presence. He listens, consoles, counsels, teaches, and serves. He becomes familiar with the sorrows and aspirations of God’s people.
All this is made possible by the sacrificial generosity of the Church, religious congregations, and the faithful. The financial cost—tuition, books, food, healthcare, housing, and ongoing formation—is substantial. But it is borne with faith and love, for the priest is not just a servant of the Church—HE IS A GIFT TO THE WORLD.
BY THE TIME A MAN IS ORDAINED, HE IS NO LONGER HIS OWN.
He has been formed in prayer, polished by trials, tested in service, and sealed in grace. He is consecrated to be a spiritual father, an ALTER CHRISTUS—baptizing infants, absolving sinners, anointing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, feeding the hungry with the WORD and the EUCHARIST, and guiding souls to eternal life.
TO KILL SUCH A MAN IS A TRAGEDY OF UNSPEAKABLE GRAVITY.
It is the DESTRUCTION of a life painstakingly formed for sacred mission.
It is the SILENCING of a voice trained to proclaim truth and offer hope.
It is the EXTINGUISHING of a light meant to shine in the darkness.
Such a loss is not borne by the Church alone. It is a wound inflicted upon society.
The priest’s presence among the people is one of moral stability, spiritual nourishment, and compassionate leadership. When a priest is slain, the CHURCH MOURNS, and SOCIETY IS IMPOVERISHED.
What is lost is not only a life—but a decade of formation, the faith of thousands, the hope of generations, and a future that was meant to bless many.
The priest is not replaceable by appointment—he is the fruit of YEARS of formation, prayer, and grace.
To lose him unjustly is to lose a rare and precious treasure.
May such losses stir the conscience of society, and may the blood of martyrs continue to water the faith of the Church.
