DEACON’S ROLE NOT SLAVERY BUT “SERVICE OF DIGNITY,” SAYS CATHOLIC BISHOP IN KENYA

October 15, 20250147

Bishop Joseph Mairura Okemwa of the Catholic Diocese of Kisii has underscored that the Diaconate is a “service of dignity,” urging newly ordained deacons to uphold moral integrity, humility, and faithful service to God’s people.

Speaking during the Diaconate Ordination Mass at the Immaculate Conception Nyabururu Mission, Bishop Mairura reminded the ordinands that the diaconal calling is not one of subservience but of honour and selfless ministry.

> “The Deacon is called to serve as a minister or messenger. His service is not slavery; it is a service of dignity,” the Bishop declared.

The prelate ordained Acolyte Bernard Asugo, Acolyte Julius Ombunya, and Acolyte Kenedy Masiga as deacons, urging them to embody reverence, discipline, and humility in their ministry.

Drawing from St. Paul’s letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:8–13), Bishop Mairura reminded the candidates that the Church expects deacons to be “worthy of respect, trustworthy, sober, and sincere in their faith.”

He explained that a deacon must “hold firm to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience,” warning that “a Deacon who does not have a clear conscience is not worthy of being a Deacon.”

Bishop Mairura also clarified the distinction between the ministries of priests and deacons, noting that while priests celebrate Mass, hear confessions, and anoint the sick, deacons are primarily called to humble service and charity.

> “Mind you, a Deacon is not a Priest. Your call is to serve the people of God faithfully with humility. Avoid looking for power and authority,” he advised.

He further reminded them that genuine greatness in God’s kingdom is achieved through service and humility, not status or worldly recognition.

Encouraging the newly ordained, Bishop Mairura said, “Don’t walk alone; walk with Jesus, and He will show you where to go because He is the one who called you. Promise to be faithful to Him.”

The ordination ceremony highlighted the Church’s continuing emphasis on integrity, simplicity, and commitment to evangelization among its ministers.