Newly Ordained Deacons, Priest for Kenya’s Nairobi Archdiocese Urged to Anchor Their Ministry in Christ’s Love

Nairobi, 08 December, 2025 / 4:30 PM

The seven newly ordained Deacons, and Priest for the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN) have been urged to anchor their ministry in the love that Jesus Christ exemplified.

In his December 5 homily during the Ordination Mass at Holy Family Minor Basilica of ADN, Bishop David Kamau Ng’ang’a reminded the Deacons-elect and the Priest-elect that remaining in the love of Christ “is not just an invitation; it is a necessity.”

“A Priest or Deacon or Bishop who does not root his ministry in the love of Christ becomes empty. His soul becomes empty. Better a torn garment; you can sew it again, but a torn soul leads to destruction,” Bishop Kamau said.

He added, “Without the love of Christ, we become spiritually empty. Jesus adds, 'I no longer call you servants but friends.' Friendship with Christ is the foundation of ministry." 

“It is this friendship that supports you when the night seems long, in moments of difficulty, even within the family. When loneliness knocks at your door, the friendship of Christ is crucial,” said the Auxiliary Bishop of ADN since his Episcopal Consecration in March 2000. 

He added, “In that friendship, Jesus reminds us: You did not choose me, but I chose you. Your vocation rests on the truth of Christ’s friendship.”

Bishop Kamau emphasized the central role of prayer in the life of ordained ministers, noting that “without prayer, we have nothing of value to offer the Christian. Ministry without prayer becomes work without grace.”

In his December 5 homily, the 70-year-old Catholic Church leader cautioned the newly ordained Deacons and Priest against seeking personal honors or wealth.

He said, “My sons, God’s people do not depend on your wealth, influence, or status. That is where we may lose our way. God’s people do not rely on you for money or possessions; even if you have them, keep them aside.” 

“They rely on you for Christ. Christ is the greatest treasure you can give,” he stated, and went on to remind them that their “ministry must bear the mark of mercy.”

He said, “You will encounter people with invisible wounds: youth overwhelmed by life, families struggling, sinners seeking forgiveness, the sick longing for comfort, and people whose difficult behavior hides deep wounds and a thirst for love. You must listen to and see all these with the eyes of Christ.”

“Today the Lord speaks to your hearts with love. He calls you not only to fulfill duties but also to be instruments of His mercy. Not to seek comfort, but to offer service. Not to seek yourselves, but to seek Him in all things,” Bishop Kama said.

He reminded the seven Seminarians who were to be ordained to the Diaconate that their calling was “not for honor but for humble service.”

“Ministry is not one duty among many; it is the heart of your identity. Be known by your service. You will be sent to the margins of our communities, where human sorrow is greatest and where the light of hope glimmers faintly,” he said.

The Kenya-born Catholic Church leader called upon the Priest-elect to always embrace the spirit of service, emphasizing that “Priesthood does not remove the diaconate. Instead, it deepens it.”

“Do not think that because you have become a Priest you have left the work of the deacon. Now both the work of the Deacon and the work of the Priest will be yours,” he said.

He added, “Priesthood or any form of ministry, if it abandons the spirit of service, becomes empty. When a priest serves with humility, the Church grows.”

The Auxiliary Bishop the ADN called on the newly ordained Priest and Deacons to become “servants who bring joy, shepherds who know their people, and disciples who remain in the love of God.”

“May the Blessed Virgin Mary walk with you each day of your ministry. May Saint Joseph strengthen your ministry. And may Christ the Good Shepherd guide your steps,” Bishop Kamau said.