Newly Ordained Deacons in Angola Urged to Embody Christ’s Compassion, Be Close to People

Luanda, 22 July, 2025 / 3:18 PM

Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda in Angola has urged the Seminarians he ordained on Sunday, July 20, to remain close to the people of God and to embody the compassion and sensitivity of Jesus Christ in their ministry.

In his homily during the Diaconate Ordination of Seminarians Benedito da Silva, Geral Dombo, Júlio Pedro, and Nataniel Diogo, Archbishop Dias emphasized that the Diaconate is not merely a function or ritual, but a life lived among the people of God.

“The people should find in your witness a joyful and comforting presence, a ministry full of beauty and grace,” the Angolan Catholic Archbishop said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at Our Lady of the Conception Cathedral of Luanda Archdiocese.

He told the Deacons-elect that their mission goes beyond liturgical roles and must be rooted in pastoral sensitivity and availability. 

“Wherever you are sent, people must see in you the boundless charity and availability of Jesus,” the Archbishop said, adding that true ministry is marked “not by grand gestures but by a heart that listens, welcomes, and serves.”

Referring to the Gospel of John, Archbishop Dias reminded the four that their calling is divine.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit. Fruit that will last,” he said in reference to John 15:16.

The Catholic Church leader encouraged the Deacons-elect to become signs of hope and to express a burning love for the Church, especially in their service to the most vulnerable.

He further advised the Seminarians to guard against spiritual superficiality, reminding them that their strength comes from their connection to the Word of God. 

“Avoid hollow gestures. Stay spiritually honest and coherent with the Gospel,” Archbishop Dias said.

The Archbishop also spoke out against individualism in ministry, saying, “Our era faces the challenge of too many private agendas. That cannot be. Whoever puts a hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom.”

Archbishop Dias called on the four Seminarians to remain united to God in prayer and humility, serving as sacred ground and a harbor of peace for the communities they will serve.