By Chikezie Ogbonna
The ordained have been urged to be good friends of Jesus espousing the very component of their calling in the growth of the faith of the people and invariably the Church.
Making this charge today 3rd June at the Diaconate Ordination held at St Paul Catholic Church Ozalla, The Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo in His Homily called on the newly ordained deacons to live everyday with the consciousness of the reasons for their calling, making Jesus their very best friend and always in communication with him through prayer and charity.
Giving a brief history behind the events that heralded the position of deacons in the Church, His Lordship noted that In an effort to resolve a longstanding issue within the early church, leaders convened to seek a solution for the ongoing conflict between the Hebrews and the Gentiles regarding their roles in the Church.
In further laying emphasis on the importance of order, peace, and unity, the church called upon its members to actively listen to one another and extend assistance as needed.
According to His Lordship, today, a group of transitional deacons was being celebrated, entrusted with crucial responsibilities such as conducting baptisms, administering Holy Communion, and preparing individuals for this sacrament.
As transitional deacons, it was stressed that maintaining exemplary conduct and taking cautious actions were imperative to ensure an unhindered path towards priesthood. Celibacy was underscored as a vital aspect of their commitment, as it played a fundamental role in preserving the holiness, discipline, and focus required of priests and deacons as well. Sexual relationships or marriage are explicitly prohibited, Bishop Obodo reaffirmed.
The 10 responsibilities assigned to these transitional deacons encompassed a wide range of duties. These included overseeing infant baptisms, assisting with the administration of Holy Communion, officiating marriages on behalf of the church, providing spiritual support to the sick through the sacrament, delivering biblical readings, leading catechism teachings, offering prayers on behalf of the faithful, blessing sacramentals, conducting burial masses, and actively participating in charitable work.
In such an inspiring homily, it was emphasized that friendship with Christ was not granted but chosen. By selecting Christ as their friend, these transitional deacons would be reciprocally chosen by Him.
According to His Lordship, this vocation is a divine calling, unique and special, as Christ Himself had handpicked each individual. It was emphasized that the true essence of being a child of God did not lie in external appearances or garments, but in the inner garment of holiness and sanctity. Pursuing holiness was considered an active endeavor, requiring sincere seeking and commitment.
The homily further outlined practical ways to pursue holiness, beginning with fulfilling the obligations of their calling and state of life. Praying continuously for the church was highlighted as a primary responsibility for the ordained. Regular confession and the recitation of the rosary were also emphasized as vital communication with Jesus, strengthening the bond of friendship. Additionally, transitional deacons were urged to completely shun any behavior incongruous with their sacred role.
Concluding the homily, the new deacons were reminded of their commission by Jesus to bear fruit and actively engage in evangelization. They were encouraged to lead by example, nurturing faith and winning souls for Christ through their prayer life and acts of penance. The call to be friends of God in a unique and special way resonated throughout, serving as a reminder of the significant responsibility and privilege entrusted to the priests.
As the Church moves forward with these ordinations and transitions, it is hoped that the commitment to unity, adherence to priestly vocations, and pursuit of holiness will foster a harmonious and spiritually fulfilling environment within the community.
A total number of 20 candidates were ordained deacons out of which 18 were of the diocese while two are of the Cistercian Order.
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