By George Mponda

Karonga, March 2, Mana: Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga has ordained Deacon David Harvey Chipeta to priesthood during a Eucharistic celebration which took place Saturday at St Joseph the Worker Cathedral.

The rite of ordination to priesthood ceremony for Father Chipeta, which brings the total number of priests in Karonga Diocese to 40, was attended by priests from Tanzania, Mzuzu Diocese and hundreds of faithful from across the Karonga diocese.

In his homily, Bishop Mtumbuka advised families, whose sons become priests, to realise that it is a calling to be a true servant of the Lord and be dedicated to serving the people of God.

"As priests, our role is to guide the flock in the ways of the Catholic Church. While our work is spiritually rewarding, it is not financially lucrative, and our greatest benefits are those we will receive in heaven. Therefore, when your child falls ill, please do not expect the diocese to fund overseas medical treatment, as our resources are limited," Mtumbuka said.

“Priests take care of each other with the little we get and when we fall ill we go to the same hospitals like Karonga District Hospital, Nkhatabay District Hospital just like the rest of you so you should not dictate to us where to take your sons for treatment," Mtumbuka said.

The Bishop further advised the newly ordained priest to be disciplined, obedient and be faithful to God and the Catholic Church.

Father Chipeta was born on 30 July 1998 to Michael Chipeta and Teleza Ng’ambi from Mweningolongo Village in Traditional Authority Kyungu in Karonga. He is the second of seven siblings, with six brothers and one sister.

He attended Ntchowo Primary School and was later selected to study at St. Patrick’s Minor Seminary in Rumphi. From there, he went to Peramiho Major Seminary in Tanzania, where he studied philosophy, before moving to Bidasoa International Seminary in Spain in preparation for his ordination.

Father Chipeta was also motivated to pursue priesthood during his time at St. Patrick’s Seminary, where he became captivated by the priestly life.

"I overcome my challenges by meditating on them and seeking God’s guidance and my favourite quote is from St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Meditating upon how Christ has suffered for me, what shall I offer to him,” said Chipeta

The newly ordained Father Chipeta will start his work at St John Paul II Parish in Kapoka, Chitipa.