Newly Ordained Priest, Deacons in Angola Urged to Embrace Listening, Ongoing Formation in their Ministry

The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) emphasized that “ongoing formation is both a duty and a pastoral necessity. The ‘yes’ you give to God today must be renewed daily with prayer, study, and witness.”

“Do not be deceived into thinking ordination makes you complete. On the contrary, you are now called to deepen even more the gift you have received,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Reflecting on humility, he urged those he was about to ordain to learn from everyone.

 “Learn from the elderly, the sick, the simple, those who suffer. Learn in presbyteral fraternity. Learn from your peers. This will not diminish you. On the contrary, it will exalt you before God and His people,” Archbishop Zeca said.

He warned of the risks and responsibilities that weigh on those who receive ordained ministry, saying, “You will be the deacons and priest that you choose to be.

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“Those who strive and ask God to be good ministers, I assure you, will be good. But those who choose to be bad will become a cause of scandal and rejection among God’s people,” he said.

Archbishop Zeca insisted on the authenticity of life as a condition for a fruitful ministry, saying, “Be conscious of what you will do. Imitate what you celebrate. Conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross. Your lives must be marked by truth, authenticity, and uprightness, which too often are lacking.”

Continuing his warning against arrogance and self-sufficiency, he advised, “Beware of the spirit of arrogance and self-sufficiency that prevails among younger generations today. Do not think you already know everything. Listen, always learn, with humility.” 

Archbishop Zeca emphasized that “the mission is not a stage for individual protagonism, but a field of selfless service. The Church does not need ‘stars.’ It needs servants with humble and willing hearts. Vanity pushes away. Compassion draws near. Obedience to the Church and fraternal life are the marks of a true minister of Christ.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.