The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) continued, “My beloved sons, do not allow anything to rob you of the time for personal reflection and the spirit of prayer. Place nothing, absolutely nothing, before Christ.”
“The entire life of a Priest must be permeated with prayer and true spirituality so that, nourished by the strength of God, he may give strength and life to those thirsting for God, to the men and women in our society who are searching for God,” Archbishop Zeca said.
He underscored the need for members of the Clergy to live selflessly, saying, “A Priest truly rooted in Christ not only grows in friendship with God but also loves his brothers and sisters with authentic, universal, pure, and chaste love.”
He cautioned against behaviours that contradict the Priestly ministry, such as selfishness, indifference, and exclusivity.
“Selfishness, which turns inward and focuses on personal interests; indifference, which disregards the dignity and suffering of others; the tendency to isolate oneself within a small ethnic or tribal group; and exclusive human attachments – these must never find a place in the heart of a Priest or a Deacon, who is called to have a Priestly heart like Christ,” he said.
The Angolan Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in August 2012 as Auxiliary Bishop of Angola’s Launda Catholic Archdiocese went on to encourage those to be Ordained Priests and Deacons to embrace their missionary vocation with humility and trust.
“The shepherd of souls moves forward with his limitations and weaknesses. He goes forth barefoot and trusting, encountering all men and women with the sole purpose of presenting them with Christ the Savior, God’s gift to all humanity,” he said.
He emphasized the virtue of love for Priestly ministry, saying, “Love the people, my dearly beloved sons. Love them selflessly and let your hearts burn with passion for them in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who anoints and sends you forth today.”
Archbishop Zeca continued, “If you are men of discipline and wisdom, you will also possess doctrine and devotion, health, and holiness. Be joyful, my beloved sons, be joyful in your imminent Priestly and Diaconate ministry. Your joy will inspire more vocations for Christ in our Archdiocese.”
The four newly Ordained Priests include Fr. Quintino Samacaca Padre of the Congregation of the Poor Servants of Divine Providence (PSDP), and for the Archdiocese of Huambo, Fr. Hilário Sepope Tchitumba, Fr. Silva Bento Nunda, and Fr. Vitorino Camenhe Dumbo.
