On 20th May, 2023, His Lordship Bishop Gabriel Msipu Phiri, Auxiliary Bishop of Chipata Diocese (Zambia), ordained twenty (20) Major Seminarians to become Transitional Deacons at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba.
In a colourful event at the Seminary ground, which was attended by thousands of peopleincluding more than one hundred priests, Bishop Msipu started his homily by reminding the congregation that God is love. “And out of his unfathomable love He has shared his life and gifts with us“.
He stated that although God knows all our weaknesses and shortcomings, in his same love, He chose and commissioned some in different and particular ways with the aim of reminding others of his love and providence. “God does not only call angels and saints to serve him. Even in our frailty God has chosen these major Seminarians; our children, friends and companions to serve him”, emphasized the Auxiliary Bishop of Chipata. “Today, I am not consecrating and anointing Angels but fellow human beings like us, with many good things in them, yet with one or two weaknesses.
He was quick to remind that diaconate is both a gift and service. “God has entrusted you to preach the Good News to your respective dioceses and to all the earth. Go and preach to all without fear and favour. You will meet the weak and strong, poor and rich, soft and hard people. You will meet the downtrodden and feeble. Go and serve them by showing them God’s countless love. By doing this they will be freed and you will be happy people”.
“Though you are not Angels, “said Bishop Msipu, “work on your weaknesses, align your whole life to the mystery of the cross and count on God’s help.”
Cross cutting the Gospel taken from Mathew 28:16-20, Bishop Msipu challenged the deacons and the entire congregation that God is with us. “Problems will be there; every vocation has its own challenges, but giving up is not an option, keep moving, keep going, he said.
Don’t use the Word of God to justify your weaknesses; try all you can to be Holy and remain United to Christ and the teachings of the Church, warned Bishop Msipu.
All dioceses and archdioceses were represented except Mzuzu diocese. From the Archdiocese of Blantyre, the Lord has given us five (5) deacons; Lawrence Ganiseje (Nguludi parish), Davison Muyaya (Namulenga Parish), Crescensio Njerenga (Namulenga), Clement Hawadi (Phalombe), Lucius Mpita (Nguludi). From the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, we have four (4); Hopeson Sagawa from the Order of Friar Minor Capuchins (Namitete parish), Vincent Kaziputa (MtengoWanthenga parish), Gabriel Dafuleni from the Order of Friar Minor Capuchins (Don Bosco Parish) and James Manyoni (Nanthenje Parish). Five (5) Deacons are from Dedza Diocese; Alberto Dzuwa (Chimphwanya Parish), Martin Kaidi (Bembeke parish), Fredrick Hauya (Kanyama parish), Flavius Makwinja and Montfort Mtengo both from Kasina, two deacons from Chikwawa diocese; Benard Liman (Misomali parish) and Fred Nyadanga (Nchalo Parish). Zomba and Karonga have one each in George Nambazo (Matawale Parish) and Allan Kitha (St Michael’s Karonga) Leo Mpembedza (Kausi parish) and Steven Limbani (Nsanama Parish) are coming from Mangochi Diocese.
A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. There are three
groups, or “orders,” of ordained ministers in the Church: Bishops,
presbyters (Priests) and deacons. The deacon’s ministry has three dimensions: liturgy, word and service. At the liturgy, he assists the bishop and priests. At the Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, may be invited to preach the homily, and assists at the altar. The deacon may also baptize, witness and bless marriages, preside at the Liturgy of the Hours, and preside at funeral liturgies among many other duties. The entire Church is called by Christ to serve, and the deacon, in virtue of his sacramental ordination and through his various ministries, is to be a servant in a servant-Church.
There are two types of deacons: permanent and transitional. Permanent deacons are ordained into the diaconate with the intention of remaining in that role, whilst transitional deacons are usually seminarians in the last stage of training before being ordained into the priesthood (The ones to be ordained today). There is no difference in the sacramental sign or the functions between these so-called “transitional” and “permanent deacons.”
