The ordination of the deacons took place on the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Major Seminary of Theology of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ghessihio.
Newsroom (18/06/2024 20:48, Gaudium Press) Since Saturday, June 8, the Church in Côte d’Ivoire has had 35 new deacons from 12 dioceses in the country, all from the Major Theological Seminary of Our Lady of Lourdes in Guessihio, located in the Archdiocese of Gagnoa.
The diaconate ordination ceremony was presided over by Bishop Jean-Jacques Koffi Oi Koffi of St. Peter’s, apostolic administrator of Gagnoa.
In his homily, Bishop Alain-Clément Amiézi, bishop of Odienné and president of the episcopal commission for seminaries, the clergy, and vocations ministry, expressed his joy at witnessing the constant renewal of the Ivorian clergy and was convinced that this is the Lord’s plan of salvation.
“A project in which man is the protagonist, hence the call that the Lord continues to make to us to associate him with this destiny of salvation,” he stressed, urging the deacons to take Christ as their model and to act like him.
“Fulfill God’s will with all your heart and love, joyfully serving God and your brothers and sisters,” and he hoped that the deacons’ availability would immerse them daily in a mystique of ministry that is not limited only to liturgical actions but would resurface throughout their ministerial future.
Living in abandonment and total trust in the Lord
“Do not carry a purse, backpack, or sandals, and greet no one on the way,” Bishop Amiézi reminded the new deacons of the Lord’s recommendation to the 72 disciples.
He stressed that they are sent out “as pilgrims of hope in a world dominated by multiform miseries” with the mission of restoring peace, happiness, and the joy of living. A mission that they must fulfill in abandonment and total trust in the Lord, who always takes care of those he calls.
Following this spirit, Bishop Amiezi continued, “deacons too,” according to the Apostle Paul, “must be worthy of respect, keep a single word, not indulge in drink, reject dishonest benefits, guard the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience,” adding that “deacons who exercise their ministry well obtain an esteemed position and great security thanks to their faith in Christ Jesus.”
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
