A Servant's Story.

(From The News (Nigeria) - AAGM)

Byline: Sylevester Asoya

In Service of God And Man, a New Book, Documents a Priest's Life of Struggles

Over the years, many Catholic priests- notably Fathers Mathew Hassan Kukah and George Ehusani- have enhanced public discourse with their intellectually robust and pulpit-inspired contributions to national issues. Gabriel Osu, Director of Social Communication, Lagos Archdiocese of Nigeria, also belongs in this growing class of priests.

His new book, In Service of God And Man, examines the issues of politics, democracy and good governance, police, corruption, capital punishment, injustice and Sharia. He also presents his views on cultism, anger, prayer, ambition, salvation, happiness, abortion, drug and alcoholic abuse, among others.

In Service Of God And Man is basically a guide to a good and purposeful life. In the book, Osu reaches for theology( a familiar field) and philosophy. He also employs his public relations by presenting side by side, the benefits of good and consequences of the bad. Part of that good he argues, lies in our decision to continually seek God's face through prayer and supplication. "The Apostles prayed that God should show them who would be most suitable to take the place of Judas. Let us today, like the Apostles, ask God to show us what is best for us,"Osu writes. But he warns that heaven only helps those who help themselves. "Everytime we ask God's help, we must ask ourselves: Have we tried to help ourselves? Have we done what is in our power to do?" Beyond prayers, the work also contains information on some puzzling aspects of Christian worship and beliefs. These include the origin of Easter, Palm Sunday as a symbol of victory, the significance of Ash Wednesday, Christ's Passion, Christmas legends and customs.

Osu's book also accommodates his relationship with the media, both during the dark days of the military and after.