Bangui, 24 September, 2024 / 11:55 pm (ACI Africa).
The Archbishop of Bangui Archdiocese in the Central African Republic (CAR) has urged the three Deacons he ordained to Priests to embody Christ’s love through service and closeness to their communities.
In his homily during the Priestly Ordination of Deacons Alain Bruno Kosson Koyalemba, Frère Saint Crépin Le Juste Ngananam-dekoy, and Christ Francklin Halaël Barakanza, Dieudonné Cardinal Nzapalainga rejoiced for the gift of the three new Priests, saying, “Our Church is alive and kicking, and this ordination bears witness to that.”
“You don’t become a Priest on your own. It is the Lord who calls you. Priesthood is a gift and a ministry. You are consecrated by the Lord and for the Lord to His people. Priesthood remains a mission of service to the Church and society,” Cardinal Nzapalainga said during the September event that was held at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Bagui Archdiocese.
He urged the three to follow Christ's example of kindness, mercy, and tenderness in their pastoral work, saying, “Be close to people; welcome them wholeheartedly; share their joy and hope, but also their sadness and anguish. Above all, help them to discover and discern God's presence at the heart of their lives.”
“Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ not only in words but also in deeds, above all with acts of closeness, kindness, mercy, and tenderness, following the example of Jesus who did good,” Cardinal Nzapalainga said.
