By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, August 25, Mana: Blantyre Archdiocese of the Catholic Church on Saturday ordained four deacons to the priesthood at Limbe Cathedral where Archbishop Thomas Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese and Bishop Alfred Chaima of Zomba Diocese presided over the ordination, calling the new priests to remain celibate and obedient to the Catholic Church.

The four newly ordained priests are Father Crescensio Njerenga and Father Davidson Muyaya from Namulenga Parish, Father Lawrence Ganisyeje, and Father Lucius Mpita from Nguludi Parish.

One by one, all the four deacons vowed to respect and assist the bishop in his mission, preach the truth of the catholic faith, remain celibate, pray without ceasing, celebrate the liturgy reverently, and imitate Jesus Christ.   

In his homily, Archbishop Msusa advised the newly ordained priests to resemble Jesus Christ by being good shepherds and lead a life of simplicity consonant with the people they serve.

“You are taking the role of Jesus Christ who said that he is the gate, since you have taken the responsibility of being a gate; through you, people should be able to find Jesus Christ and should find God’s mercy and healing. Today God has sent you to look after his flock, you should be fully committed and you will see those sheep in good health,” he said.

The Archbishop emphasized the need for the newly ordained priests to be connected to Jesus Christ.

“You should be close to Jesus Christ, be close to him through the Sacrament of Eucharist every day, respect our holy Eucharistic Mass,” he said.

The archbishop further called on all Catholics to support the newly ordained priests to serve the church better.

“Let’s pray for our deacons so that they should love and use what they have requested, they have waited for many years to be priests now they need to enjoy their priesthood,” Msusa said.

Speaking on behalf of all parents, McDonald Patrick Ganisyeje (parent to Lawrence Ganisyeje) commended the Catholic Church for supporting the newly ordained priests to fulfill their dream.

“Thank you, Archbishop, Thomas Msusa for taking good care of our children during their studies and giving them the sacrament of holy orders. We are extending our gratitude to everyone who helped our sons reach where they are today,” he said.

Ganisyeje therefore appealed to the newly ordained priests to show good character in their new roles.

“As your parents, we are urging you to be reliable in your ministry and to obey your leaders,” he added.

Blantyre Archdiocese Laity Council Chairperson, Peter Nzolima, expressed excitement, assuring the newly ordained priests that they were welcome in the Archdiocese and encouraged fellow Christians to support the priests.

“On behalf of all Christians in the Archdiocese, I am welcoming you and pray that the Holy Spirit should guide you in your work. To my fellow Christians, let us support the newly ordained priests and all other priests that are already in our parishes in their spiritual and physical needs,” he added.

People from all walks of life attended the ordination which was full of celebrations as the Archdiocese of Blantyre Choir was celebrating 10 years anniversary on the same day.

These ordained priests have already been posted to various parishes where they will be ministering.

Father Njerenga has been posted to Mwanza Parish, Father Mpita to Kadikira Parish, Father Ganisyeje to Namulenga Parish while Father Muyaya will serve Pius XII Minor Seminar and will also be curate at Nguludi Parish.