Be “ministers of unity in Church, Family”: Apostolic Nuncio in Angola to Newly Ordained Priests, Deacon

Ondjiva, 16 December, 2024 / 8:33 PM

The representative of the Holy Father in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe has called upon the 14 Priests and Deacon he ordained on December 14 to foster unity in their ministry among the people of God. 

In his homily during the ordinations in Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Ondjiva, Archbishop Kryspin Witold Dubiel emphasized the need for the spirit of service, after the example of Jesus Christ and at His command. 

“Be ministers of unity in the Church and in the family. Lead the faithful to God the Father through Christ in the Holy Spirit,” Archbishop Dubiel said during the Eucharistic celebration at St. Anthony Omilunga Parish of Ondjiva Diocese.

He emphasized, “The unity of the Church is fundamental, and the Priest is called to be an agent of this unity.” 

“The Priest must work to promote communion among the members of the Church, overcoming divisions and misunderstandings,” the Vatican diplomat in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe said.

He went on to advocate for a spirit of service, which he said is “a central characteristic of priestly ministry.”

To emphasize the need to embrace a life of service, Archbishop Dubiel urged the Deacon and Priests-elect to “Always keep before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd, who came not to be served but to serve.”

“The Priest must serve everyone, especially the most needy, imitating the example of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served,” the native of Poland’s Catholic Diocese of Przemyśl said.

He went on to urge those he was about to ordain Priests and Deacon to dedicate themselves to the Word of God with diligence, adding, “By exercising the Ministry of Sacred Doctrine, you will participate in the mission of Christ, the only Teacher. Spread the Word of God to all, which you yourselves have received with joy.” 

“Read and meditate on the Word of the Lord diligently, so that you may believe what you read, teach what you have learned in faith, and live what you teach,” Archbishop Dubiel, who just started his service as Apostolic Nuncio following his Episcopal Ordination on August 24 said.  

Reflecting on the importance of witnessing in Priestly life, the Polish-born Vatican diplomat said, “The fragrance of your life will be your testimony, because example builds up, but words without example are empty.” 

A Clergy’s life must reflect faith, charity, and humility through daily attitudes and pastoral dedication, Archbishop Dubiel said, and reminded the candidates for Holy Orders to not downplay their important role as celebrants of the sacred rites

He identified the Eucharist as important in the life of the Clergy, saying it is at the “heart of Christian life.” 

“May your homilies not be dull but reach the hearts of the people because they come from your heart. When you celebrate Mass, recognize what you are doing. Do not rush. Imitate what you celebrate,” the Apostolic Nuncio said.

He added referring to the Eucharist, “Every celebration is a moment of encounter with God and communion among the faithful.”

The Catholic Archbishop continued, “In the confessional, you are there to forgive, not to condemn,” Archbishop Dubiel told the Priests-elect, adding, “Imitate the Father, who never tires of forgiving.”

“The Sacrament of Penance is an expression of God’s infinite mercy. The Priest, as a minister of reconciliation, has the responsibility to lead the faithful to the forgiveness of their sins, showing God’s merciful love,” he said.

Referring to Confession, Archbishop Dubiel continued, “This Sacrament offers a new opportunity for life and spiritual renewal, being a means of inner healing. The Priest, while exercising this ministry, must be a sign of welcome and forgiveness, reflecting God’s mercy in his own life.”

“Exercise the Priestly work of Christ with joy and sincere charity, seeking to please God and not yourselves alone. I wish you to be good, honest Priests, always passionate about Jesus,” the Apostolic Nuncio in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe said during the December 14 ordination Mass.