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Newly Ordained Priest in Mozambique Cautioned against Seeking “personal glory”, Urged to Be “entirely” for Service

Archbishop Francisco Chimoio. Credit: Radio Maria Quelimane

Archbishop Francisco Chimoio has cautioned Fr. Moisés Augusto, the member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) he ordained a Priest on January 12, against the tendency among a section of Priests to seek “personal glory”.

In his homily during the ordination celebration that was held at Our Lady of Deliverance Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Maputo Archdiocese Archbishop Chimoio called upon the Priest-elect to dedicate himself fully to the service of God and His people, nurturing his spiritual growth and cultivating a spirit of charity.

“As a Priest, live with humility, love, and sacrifice. Do not seek personal glory but offer yourself entirely to the service of God and His people,” the Archbishop emeritus of Maputo Archdiocese said. 

Being ordained a Priest, he said, “is not a promotion but a humble service within the community. Follow the example of Jesus, who, though divine, made Himself a servant.”

“Your mission is to educate God’s people, guiding them in faith and showing how to live according to the Gospel,” the Mozambican member of OFM Cap. further said, adding, “Christians must be taught to live not just for themselves but in accordance with the law of charity, fulfilling their duties with Christian maturity and grace.”

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In his homily, he encouraged the Priest-elect to be a living example of Christian values. He said, “As a Priest, your life must reflect the sincerity of your vocation. Live with authenticity and help others grow in faith.”

“Be a friend to the faithful, providing guidance and support, especially during moments of difficulty. Christian life is built in community, and you must be a bridge of encouragement for those in need,” he said.

The Catholic Archbishop, whose retirement from the pastoral care of Maputo Archdiocese was accepted in May 2023 went on to emphasize the importance of a life of prayer, describing it as the foundation of Priestly ministry.

“A Priest’s life must be rooted in prayer. Daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and personal meditation are essential to maintaining intimacy with God. You must be spiritually nourished so that you can nourish others.,” he said.

In your Priestly ministry, Archbishop Chimoio went on to tell Deacon Moisés Augusto, “you will administer the Sacraments – Baptism, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Confirmation, Marriage, and the Eucharist. Each Sacrament brings the faithful closer to Christ and offers the grace of salvation. Your role is to guide the people of God and be a channel of Divine Grace.”

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“You are called to be a shepherd, leading the faithful with compassion and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Teach the Word of God, which awakens faith in hearts, and announce God’s salvation to all,” the 77-year-old Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in February 2001 as Bishop of Mozambique’s Catholic Diocese of Pemba said. 

He encouraged Fr. Moisés Augusto to be steadfast in his Priestly vocation, and added, “Remember, you are a servant and a messenger of salvation.”

“Be a beacon of hope and a true reflection of Christ’s love,” Archbishop Chimoio said in homily during the January 12 ordination of Deacon Moisés Augusto as a Priest.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.