Deacons Bolster Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church yesterday ordained three deacons, boosting its capacity to look after the spiritual welfare of its flock.
The ordination was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, in Suva, and the chief celebrant was the head of the church in the country, the Archbishop of Suva, Peter Loy Chong.
The new deacons have been studying for the priesthood at the Pacific Regional Seminary at Suva Point for six years. They will become eligible for ordination to the priesthood after their seventh year at the seminary.
Prior to entering the seminary, the three have spent varying lengths of time “testing the waters” in a programme lay people call “come-and-see”.
It is a prerequisite before joining the seminary just so they can be confident about their choice to become Catholic priests.
“Put the tasks you are ordained for ahead of every other and serve others rather than yourself,” said Archbishop Loy Chong.
“These men are ready to commit themselves to serve the church – the people of God, as deacons and later as priests; especially in a time when it is not very exciting but challenging to be a deacon or priest.”
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- Edward Vakatora:Former primary school teacher Edward Vakatora, praised God yesterday after being ordained as a Deacon. “I have gone through a lot as a young single man. Somehow I find time to reflect and pray, and found out that this could be a call from God. And I pursued for the last 10 years, and it’s now become a reality. It’s a first step to priesthood.” The 37-year-old is originally from Naivilaca, Noco, Rewa.
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- Semi Ulunasobu: After his ordination yesterday Semi Ulunasobu, 30, of Waikete, Tailevu, said: “I miss both my parents. I wish they were both here to witness how far I have gone.” His parents died during his first and second year at the Pacific Regional Seminary. “I almost left the seminary when my parents died. I was fortunate my brother seminarians encouraged me to carry on with them. I know they (his parents) are both smiling up in heaven.”
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- Lasarusa Koroiciri yesterday thanked everyone for their support during his time at the seminary. The 32-year-old from Waciwaci Village, on Lakeba Island, said: “Right now I’m excited joining this ministry and the joy being given the opportunity to serve as a deacon and the eagerness to learn all that I can in this service and the hopefulness to see what God can give me in serving the church until my last breath.”
Archbishop Loy Chong said they would serve the people of God as:
Ministers of the Word of God
Ministers of the altar
In service of charity and Justice
It will also be their duty:
To bring God’s word to Catholics, Christians and peoples of other faiths
To preside over public prayer
To baptise
To assist at marriages and bless them
To give the body of Christ to the dying
And to lead the rites of burial
Edited by George Kulamaiwasa
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