Deacon’s Role Not Slavery But “Service of Dignity”: Catholic Bishop in Kenya at Ordination

Kisii, 13 October, 2025 / 2:55 AM

Bishop Joseph Mairura Okemwa of the Catholic Diocese of Kisii in Kenya has emphasized that the Diaconate is “a service of dignity,” and called on new Deacons he ordained on October 11 to uphold moral integrity, humility, and authentic commitment to service.

In his homily during Diaconate Ordination he presided over at Immaculate Conception Nyabururu Mission of his Episcopal See, Bishop Mairura reminded the Deacons-elect that their ministry is one of honour and not subservience.

“The Deacon is called to serve as a minister or messenger. His service is not slavery. Your service is not slavery at all; it is a service of dignity,” he said.

The Kenyan Catholic Bishop, who ordained Acolyte Bernard Asugo, Acolyte Julius Ombunya, and Acolyte Kenedy Masiga Deacons urged the trio to embody reverence and discipline in their ministry.

“It is a service of honour, serving at the altar of the Lord, in specific directives that are given in the rubrics,” Bishop Mairura said, stressing the need for Deacons to model faithfulness and humility in every aspect of their vocation.

He added referring to St. Paul, “The qualification and character traits required for Deacons in the Church emphasize that they must be worthy of respect and trustworthy. Deacons must be worthy, sober, and sincere in their faith and in their dealings.”

“The Apostle Paul provides qualifications for those who serve in the role of a Deacon. The core message emphasizes that Deacons must have high moral character and high moral standards,” Bishop Mairura said, adding that Deacons “must live a life of integrity and be proven to be faithful servants before being appointed.”

Deacons, he continued citing 1 Timothy 3:8-13, “are to be worthy of respect, sincere, and not indulging in much wine.”

Bishop Mairura went on to explain that a Deacon is expected to “keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. A Deacon who does not have a clear conscience is not worthy of being a Deacon.”

Clarifying the distinction between the roles of a Deacon and a Priest, the Local Ordinary of Kisii Diocese, who has shepherded the Episcopal See since his Consecration in July 1995, reminded the Deacons-elect that while a Priest celebrates Mass, hears confessions, anoints the sick, and may be delegated by his Bishop to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, a Deacon’s primary vocation remains one of humble service.

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

He continued, “Jesus reminds us that genuine greatness in God’s kingdom comes through service and humility. No one is entitled to status or worldly authority, for earthly power has no place in the Church.”

Bishop Mairura invited the newly ordained Deacons to always draw inspiration from the example of Jesus Christ and to remain faithful to their vocation, lived in communion with others.

He added, “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.”