Maputo, 14 September, 2020 / 8:10 pm (ACI Africa).
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.