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Embrace Sacrifice, Prayer, Cross, Prelate Urges at Priestly Ordination in Mozambique

The five Deacons ordained Priests for the Archdiocese of Maputo Saturday, September 12.

A Prelate in Mozambique has, during the ordination of five Deacons as Priests for the Archdiocese of Maputo in the Southern African country, urged members of the Clergy to embrace a life of sacrifice and prayer “as if we had died on the cross,” in solidarity with other ordained ministers.

The Saturday, September 12 event, which was held in adherence to strict COVID-19 measures was graced by Archbishop Francisco Chimoio of Maputo Archdiocese, accompanied by the Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo, Antonio Juliasse and the Emeritus of Mozambique’s Pemba Diocese, Bishop Januário Machase alongside Clerics ministering in the Archdiocese.

In his homily, Archbishop Chimoio encouraged those to be ordained Priests to embrace a life of sacrifice and prayer saying, “The priestly life must be lived as if we had died on the cross. We must please Jesus. Prayer must be lived.”

The Archbishop added in reference to those he was about to ordain as Priests, “You must live united with the others who have already been ordained and the brothers ordained on the same day ... You must know how to take your place.”

The Prelate told the candidates for ordination that it was their responsibility to help the people of God understand that the Priesthood ministry is for all people without discrimination.

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Those who were ordained as Priests are Hermenegildo Fernando Costa, Jose Chachine Junior, Carlos Ernesto Mandlate, Adelino Chibobochila and Edson Francisco Feijão Banze.

Speaking to ACI Africa Correspondent in Mozambique at the end of the ordination event, Fr. Carlos Ernesto who had just been ordained expressed his joy of becoming a Catholic Priest.

“I am very grateful that I was ordained Priest today,” Fr. Carlos told ACI Africa correspondent.

He added, “It is a dream come true ... Sometimes we want immediate answers and do not understand God's plans. Sometimes we want things to happen quickly, but God knows how to make his way. It is up to us just to let ourselves be led and shaped by God's will in our lives; He will always do wonders in our lives.”

On his part, Fr. Hermenegildo Fernando Costa who has also just been ordained shared a message of encouragement to those in formation houses and to those discerning about their lives.

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“I advise all who are on the journey towards Priesthood not to give up, and those who are thinking of starting the journey to join us. I pray for all of them to find strength in God,” Fr. Hermenegildo said.

About 100 members of the faithful congregated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Maputo to witness the ordination.

Addressing those who attended the ordination, Archbishop Francisco said, “May you be good friends. Pray together and set a good example.”