Public Announcement from a Priest Who’s Still Human
People are breaking boundaries again, and I think it’s time we rebuild the wall of Jerusalem around my vocation.
Let’s protect each other, please.
First of all, STOP CALLING ME DADDY. I am not your daddy. Not biological. Not spiritual. Not any “-ical.” I am your priest, your Reverend Father, your Padre, your Fr. Prince if you like titles. But Daddy? No. I didn’t marry your mother, and I don’t have children I’m aware of. Some of you calling me “Daddy” are even old enough to be my aunt. Please, this is the Catholic Church, not Zaddying family role-play.
Now, moving on to the next boundary. I am NOT a sex therapist. If your husband is not satisfying you, I sympathize, but I can’t help you there. I am not in that ministry. Go to a counselor, a therapist, or at least your married friend who has experience. Please don’t be narrating bedroom chronicles to a young celibate man trying to save his vocation. Let me go to heaven in peace.
And for heaven’s sake, get real-life friends.
Stop calling me at midnight saying, “Father, I can’t sleep, can we talk?” No, my dear, we cannot talk. At midnight, angels are on duty, not me. Talk to your pet, talk to your friend, but please, don’t make me your midnight companion.
Let’s address another issue, Money.
I am not your bank, your ATM, or your “urgent 2k” plug. Sometimes, yes, I raise funds for people in real need, but that’s as the Spirit leads, not as you insist. Please stop asking me for financial help. I don’t print money.
Next is Chat Etiquette. When you message me, wait. Wait like a good Catholic waiting for Advent. Don’t send 50 messages followed by 20 missed calls and a “Father, why are you ignoring me?” I am not ignoring you. I am simply busy being a priest. If you continue, I will either block you or send your number to restriction.
And please, stop those “Father, tell me about yourself” questions.
Father can I know you more?
Can we be close friends?
What’s your favorite color?
Have you eaten?
Father, are you single?
You see where I’m going with this?
Finally, a financial and emotional disclaimer for some sisters in the inbox who are obsessed with priests. If you’re looking for a priest to date or financially support, stop right there. First, I am NOT AVAILABLE. Second, I DON’T NEED SUPPORT. Third, there are many single, handsome men out there, go and prosper with them. Don’t bring your wahala near my vocation, thunder is real.
I am still young, still human, still a priest, and still running this heavenly race like the rest of you. As I journey with you spiritually, please journey with me respectfully.
Let’s protect our vocations, yours and mine, because one thing is certain,
Boundaries are holy. And thunder doesn’t respect who breaks them.
I want to set these things right again because these days, my DM is not looking so good. It’s getting crowded with things that don’t glorify God or help anyone’s soul. I love you all deeply as your priest and brother in faith, but love without boundaries leads to confusion, and confusion is not of God. Boundaries are holy. Let’s keep them sacred.
Let’s journey together with respect, maturity, and a touch of humor.
Please understand, I’m not angry, I’m just protecting the sacredness of my vocation, and yours too. A priest is not a superhero, we are human beings walking the same narrow road toward heaven, carrying the same cross of temptations and distractions.
Honestly, some of the things I see in my inbox could make angels cover their eyes. I would have posted some of those chats here just to serve as a public warning, but the Nigerian government said it’s illegal. So for now, mercy is saving many of you.
Pray for me as I pray for you, that we may all remain faithful, focused, and heaven-bound.
Rev fr Prince Chidi Philip
