August 4, 2026
|
Recent Posts
Diaconate Ordination 2026
The Archdiocese of Ndola today celebrated the joyful Ordination of two seminarians to the Sacred Order of Deacons during a solemn Holy Mass presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Dr. Benjamin Phiri, JCD, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Ndola. The newly ordained deacons are Rev. Deacon Felix Haule of St. Nicholas Parish, Ndeke, and Rev. Deacon Michael Chilabila of St. Stephen Parish, Twapia. The ordination followed the candidates’ Oath of Fidelity and Profession of Faith, which they made on Friday, 10 July 2026, at the Archdiocesan Curia before Archbishop Benjamin Phiri. During the ceremony, the candidates publicly affirmed their commitment to faithfully serve Christ and His Church in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The celebration brought together priests, religious men and women, seminarians, members of the pastoral offices, family members, friends, and hundreds of faithful from across the Archdiocese, who gathered to witness this significant milestone in the life of the local Church. In his homily, Archbishop Benjamin Phiri reminded the newly ordained deacons that the diaconate is a ministry of humble service, calling them to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, assist at the altar, minister to the poor and vulnerable, and serve God’s people with love, humility, and integrity. He urged them to cultivate a deep and personal devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, encouraging them to walk closely with her as a sure guide in their vocation to Christ. The Archbishop further cautioned the new deacons against distractions that could weaken their commitment to their sacred calling. He urged them to guard their vocation by avoiding anything that could draw them away from their relationship with God, specifically warning against temptations such as inappropriate relationships with women, the abuse of alcohol, and the misuse of social media. He encouraged them to remain rooted in prayer, discipline, and fidelity, always keeping Christ at the centre of their lives and ministry. Following the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination, the two candidates were vested with the stole and dalmatic, the liturgical vestments proper to deacons, symbolizing their new ministry in the Church. They then received the Book of the Gospels, signifying their mission to proclaim the Word of God faithfully.
