Encouraging the Deacons-elect to have Jesus as their model in servant leadership, the Catholic Church leader said, “With God's help, you must conduct yourselves in a manner that always reflects true discipleship of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.”
“Dear sons, as you enter the Order of Deacons, look to the example the Lord has left you, so that as He acted, you too may act. He is the foundation of your Consecrated Life in the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The path on which you must never stop is Christ. The path where there is no room for error is Christ,” the Local Ordinary of Gurué since his Episcopal Consecration in March 2021 said.
He urged the Deacons-elect to remain faithful to the mission of service, saying, “Do not turn away from the hope of the Gospel, of which you are to be ministers, not just listeners. Keep the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. Let your works reflect the Word of God that you preach, so that the Christian people, guided by the Holy Spirit, may become a holy and pleasing people to God.”
“The path to holiness is perseverance in prayer, diligent work, pastoral charity, simplicity, humility, and care for the poor, the imprisoned, and the sick,” Bishop Mwita said.
Reflecting on the Deacons’ voluntary decision to leave everything behind to serve the people of God, he said, “This is both a sign and an incentive for pastoral charity, calling you to dedicate yourselves entirely to your brothers and sisters. It is a source of wisdom in the world. Instead of having one, two, or three children, all those in your Parish, in your community, are your brothers and children. Love them. Give your whole life for them.”
“Moved by sincere charity, and living in perfect consecration, you will more easily unite yourselves to the Lord with undivided hearts. You will more readily dedicate yourselves to the service of God and humanity, and with greater freedom, you will serve the work of supernatural regeneration. Rooted and firm in faith, present yourselves as blameless and pure before God and people, as is fitting for a minister of Christ and a steward of God’s mysteries,” he said.
Bishop Mwita went on to reflect on the mission of Deacons. He said, “Strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Deacons are tasked with assisting the Bishop and his presbyterate in the service of the Word, the altar, and charity, presenting themselves as servants of all.”
“A Deacon serves the Church by supporting the Bishop in preaching, in charity, at the altar, and, above all, by being a servant to all. Deacons are ministers of the altar, proclaim the Gospel, prepare the sacrifice, and distribute the Body and Blood of the Lord to the faithful,” he added.
The Mozambican Catholic Bishop reminded the Deacons-elect of the call to holiness, saying, “There are many ways for us to become saints today. What happened to the saints of the Middle Ages is happening in our land, in our country, today. We need to know Jesus Christ; we need to follow His example to truly sanctify ourselves.”
João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.
