The Sacred Priesthood and Diaconate ordination of Jesuit deacons and seminarians took place on Saturday, February 26, 2022, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Adams Arcade, Nairobi, Kenya. This event was a testament to individual commitment and a vibrant display of faith, community, and the enduring legacy of Jesuit ministry across the African continent.
A Tapestry of Cultures and Vocations
The eighteen candidates, each hailing from diverse regions, including Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, West Africa, and North Africa, formed a rich tapestry of cultures. This diversity underscored the Society of Jesus’s universal mission to embrace and enrich various traditions and experiences, making us all part of a global community. Their journey to this day was marked by rigorous formation, deep discernment, and an unwavering commitment to serve God and His people.
The Sacred Rite of Priesthood and Diaconate Ordination
The ordination Mass commenced at 10 a.m. East Africa Time, presided over by Rt. Rev. Rodrigo Mejía Saldarriaga, SJ, Vicar Apostolic Emeritus of Soddo, Ethiopia. The ceremony unfolded in two significant parts: the Litany of Saints and the presentation of the Book of the Gospels to the new deacons.
During the Litany of Saints, the ordinands participated in the ‘prostration ritual,’ lying prostrate on the ground—a profound gesture symbolizing humility, submission to God, and the total offering of one’s life to divine service. This act was accompanied by the invocation of saints, reflecting a deep connection to the Church’s spiritual heritage.
The presentation of the Book of the Gospels signified the deacons’ duty to proclaim the Word of God. Receiving this sacred text entrusted them with the mission to preach the Gospel, administer sacraments, and serve as ministers of charity within the community.
A Homily of Service and Commitment
In his homily, Bishop Mejía emphasized that ordination to the diaconate is not merely a transitional phase but a lifelong commitment to service. He reminded the new deacons that the call to serve remains integral to their vocation even upon ordination to the priesthood. He urged them to embody the role of servants to the Church, the liturgy, and the people, ready to offer spiritual assistance whenever needed. This call to service is especially pertinent in societies afflicted by various challenges, where deacons are called to be agents of unity and evangelization.
Witnesses to a Sacred Commitment
Major superiors from various Jesuit provinces, formators, formation delegates, friends, and families from around the world graced the ordination. Their attendance highlighted the vocation journey’s communal nature and the support system that nurtures such commitments. The Jesuit community and the lay faithful gathered to witness and celebrate the ordinands’ dedication to service life, making us all part of a larger mission and feeling supported in our journeys.
The Role and Mission of Deacons
Deacons hold a unique position within the Church’s hierarchy. They are ordained to serve the Church, the liturgy, and the community, performing functions such as proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, assisting in celebrating the Eucharist, blessing marriages, and administering sacramentals. Their ministry is a testament to the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel and serving those in need.
A Journey of Formation and Dedication
The path to ordination is a rigorous and transformative journey. Jesuit formation is notably extensive, with the novitiate stage lasting two years. This period is dedicated to deepening one’s relationship with God, understanding the charism of the Society of Jesus, and discerning one’s call to serve. The formation process ensures that candidates are well-prepared to undertake the responsibilities of their ministry, embodying the Jesuit ideal of being “contemplatives in action.”
A Community’s Joy and Hope
The ordination ceremony was more than a liturgical event; it manifested hope and renewal for the community. The newly ordained deacons are now entrusted with the mission to be beacons of faith, hope, and love in a world yearning for compassion and guidance. Their commitment inspires all, reminding the faithful of the transformative power of dedicated service and the enduring call to live out the Gospel daily, instilling a sense of hope and inspiration in us all.
Conclusion
The ordination of these eighteen Jesuit deacons at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is a profound testament to faith, dedication, and the enduring mission of the Society of Jesus. As they embark on their ministry, they carry forward a legacy of service, education, and evangelization, embodying the Jesuit motto, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam”—for the greater glory of God. May their journey inspire others to listen to their calls to service and contribute to a world filled with faith, hope, and love.
