“We are Servants, Not Celebrities”: Akubeze warns against "Borrowed" AI Homilies, Clerical Ego at 2026 Chrism Mass
“We are Servants, Not Celebrities”: Akubeze warns against "Borrowed" AI Homilies, Clerical Ego at 2026 Chrism Mass
BENIN CITY – In a stirring and deeply personal homily delivered during the 2026 Chrism Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, issued a clarion call to priests to reclaim their identity as humble servants of the altar.
Addressing a packed cathedral of clergy, religious, and lay faithful, the Archbishop balanced profound gratitude for the sacrifices of his priests with a firm admonishment regarding the modern temptations of "sacramental celebrity" and the over-reliance on technology in the pulpit.
The Warning Against "Sacramental Celebrity"
Reflecting on the theme, “The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Us,” Archbishop Akubeze reminded the clergy that the sacred anointing they received at ordination is meant to point toward Christ, not themselves.
“Through the sacred chrism, priests share ontologically in the anointing of Christ,” the Archbishop stated. “We must never allow earthly glory to distort the sacred mission entrusted to us. We must resist the temptation to seek personal praise or recognition. We are not sacramental celebrities. We are servants of Christ.”
He urged priests to ensure their thoughts, words, and actions remain a pure reflection of the Master, rather than a pursuit of social or personal status.
The "Technological Homily" and the Voice of the Shepherd
A significant portion of the Archbishop’s charge focused on the preparation of the Word. Citing recent guidance from Pope Leo XIV, Akubeze cautioned against the "danger" of technology—particularly AI and digital tools—supplanting the spiritual labor of the priest.
The Archbishop emphasized that a homily should be the "fruit of prayer, study, and pastoral encounter," rather than a product of algorithms.
The Shepherd’s Voice: He warned that using "borrowed words" from technology risks losing the authentic voice of the pastor.
The Mandate: "Our identity is in Christ, not in the devices we hold in our hands," he declared, insisting that technology must remain a servant of the Gospel, never its master.
Transformation: He challenged priests to spend time before the Eucharist so that their preaching becomes a "witness" rather than a mere "transmission of information."
Gratitude for Silent Sacrifices
Despite the firm warnings, the tone of the Mass was overwhelmingly one of appreciation. The Archbishop expressed deep thanks to his priests for their "daily martyrdom" of service:
Celebrating the Eucharist and praying the Divine Office faithfully.
Anointing the sick at inconvenient hours.
Remaining courageous in the face of opposition and false rumors.
A Call to the Laity: Guard the Dignity of the Priesthood
Turning to the lay faithful, Archbishop Akubeze made a passionate plea for the protection of the clergy’s reputation. He noted with sadness that the same people a priest serves may sometimes be those who spread "false stories" about them.
“When you unjustly damage the reputation of a priest, you wound the instrument through which God serves His people,” he cautioned. He urged the congregation to support their priests through prayer and collaboration rather than gossip.
The Renewal of Vows:
The highlights of the Mass included the blessing of the three sacred oils—the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism—and the solemn renewal of priestly promises.
In his concluding remarks, the Archbishop prayed that the Holy Spirit would renew the hearts of the clergy and strengthen the faith of the people, entrusting the entire Archdiocese to the maternal care of Mary, Mother of Priests.
Key Takeaway: The 2026 Chrism Mass serves as a milestone reminder for the Church in Benin City that while the world changes with technology and trends, the priesthood remains a timeless covenant of sacrifice, humility, and authentic witness.
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