On May 20, 2023, diaconal ordinations took place at St. Dominic’s Major Seminary in the Woodlands neighborhood of Lusaka, Zambia. Twenty-seven men were raised to the Order of Deacons: twenty of them were seminarians from various dioceses, two were Capuchin Franciscan Friars and five were Conventual Franciscan friars, namely, Friars James Gede SYAMUCHIMBA, Obino Joseph CHANSHI, John KACHINGA, Anthony KABAMBA and Henerico CHUNGA (from Malawi). The ordaining bishop was the Most Reverend Raphael MWEEMPWA, Bishop of Monze, Zambia.
In his homily, based on the first reading, Acts 6:1-15, the bishop exhorted the candidates stating that “deacons are called to serve the Church in areas where there may be problems or great need. It [is your responsibility] my dear deacons to attend to the needs at present, in particular, to care for orphans and widows, the poor and the needy, the sick and the suffering. You must recognize Christ in our suffering brothers and sisters, who need to be fed, welcomed, visited and loved.” He further urged them, saying, “Deacons should possess a good reputation strengthened by the Holy Spirit and Wisdom. The first part of being a deacon is having a good reputation. Deacons must have a good name. The best thing that a person can have is a respected name. According to Proverbs 22:1, ‘A good name is more desirable than great riches, and high esteem, than gold and silver.’”
He lastly urged the faithful present to support and pray for the deacons so that they become good servants in the Church.
Friar Mathews KASONGO, Provincial Secretary
