Newly ordained Deacons of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos have been charged to allow themselves be guided by faith and trust in God when making life’s decisions, as they were advised to ensure that their reason for choosing the vocation to priesthood should not be for utilitarian purposes, but for the service of God’s people. The charge was given by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos while delivering the homily during the ordination of 10 Deacons in the Archdiocese, last Sunday, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins asked the Deacons to listen as well as follow Jesus’ lead, as he reminded them that their ordination is not just a ceremonial rite, but a solemn commissioning to serve the people of God with humility, compassion and love. He urged them to trust in divine providence, even in the face of daunting challenges and uncertainties, adding that their ministry as clergy men demands sacrifice and selflessness that will most effectively reflect the image of Christ who came to serve and not be served The Archbishop said one of the primary duties of the Deacons is to proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction, in accordance with the faith, and fidelity to the teachings of the Church as handed down by the Apostles. He asked them to be faithful stewards of the gospel, sharing the message of hope and salvation with all whom they encounter.
The Prelate tasked the newly ordained to remember, and live by the example of Jesus Christ, in poverty, chastity and obedience, praying that they will be humble in spirit, gentle in demeanour and steadfast in their commitment to prayer. Assuring the Deacons that they are not alone on the journey, the Archbishop said the Holy Spirit will guide them, as the prayers of the faithful will uphold them, and the love of Christ will surround them. He charged them to go forth with confidence and courage, knowing that they are called to nothing else but being ambassadors of Christ and His Church in a world that is desperately in need of the love and mercy of God.
The Archbishop tasked Christians, Catholics in particular to allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and God to lead them along the path of discipleship, so that as they listen and obey God’s words, their lives will become better ordered. He called on the people to undergo a transformation of life, heart and mind during the Lenten Season, adding that it is a time to allow the light of Christ to penetrate the depths of their souls and lighten up areas of darkness, and sin in their lives. The newly ordained Deacons include; Revs. Patrick Akotonayon; Thomas Aliegwu; Canice Chibuike; Michael Ikechukwu; Clinton Ekemezie; Timothy Okhiria; Stephen Momah; Gregory Onaji; Princewill Ugwumba and Ethelbert Umenwanne.
