In a solemn and joyous ceremony held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Nairobi on March 1, 24 candidates from Hekima Jesuit School of Theology were ordained as deacons.

Among them were 16 Jesuit scholastics, five CMI brothers, two Quebec Missionaries (SME), and one Yarumal Missionary (MXY) brother. Additionally, two deacons from the Yarumal Missionaries were ordained as priests.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Rodrigo Mejía Saldarriaga, SJ, presided over the ordination, delivering a homily that highlighted the profound significance of this calling. "This is a day to rejoice and be glad, for each vocation, whether to the diaconate or priesthood, is a divine calling. It is not merely a deliberate choice to join an institution, but a response to God’s call to life," he stated.

Bishop Rodrigo explained the unique role of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, emphasizing that it is the only sacrament with different degrees of participation: diaconate, priesthood, and episcopacy. While each stage comes with distinct responsibilities, they are all part of the same sacramental mission of the Church.

He cautioned against viewing Holy Orders through a worldly lens, referencing Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation The Joy of the Gospel, which warns against the dangers of "worldly spirituality." The bishop recalled a conversation with the Pope, where the Holy Father described worldly spirituality as an approach that applies secular hierarchies and notions of power to spiritual realities.

"The Church is not an institution of ranks like the military. A deacon is not stepping into a ladder of promotions. The essence of the diaconate is servanthood," he reminded the congregation.

Bishop Rodrigo outlined the threefold mission of deacons, which is shared at different levels with priests and bishops:

1. Teaching (Munus Docendi) – Deacons are called to proclaim the Gospel and instruct the faithful, playing a crucial role in catechesis, sacramental preparation, and faith formation.

2. Pastoral Leadership (Munus Regendi) – This is not a call to power, but to pastoral guidance, accompaniment, and reconciliation within the Christian community.

4. Sanctifying (Munus Sanctificandi) – Deacons are instruments of God’s grace, actively participating in liturgical celebrations, distributing the Eucharist, baptizing, assisting in marriages, and bringing communion to the sick.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow deacons, Deacon Josky Odhiambo Okumu, MXY, expressed profound gratitude to those who nurtured their vocations. He reflected on the journey of faith, citing Romans 10:14: "How can they believe in the one they have not heard, and how can they hear if someone does not preach to them?" He credited parents, grandparents, teachers, catechists, and formators for planting the seeds of their calling.

"The society took over to nurture this vocation through the guidance of catechists, professors, and friends who have journeyed with us. We owe them our heartfelt gratitude," he said.

He also acknowledged the support of their fellow students at Hekima Jesuit School of Theology, urging them to continue walking the path of discernment with faith and commitment.

The newly ordained deacons will continue their theological studies at Hekima until May, when they will sit for their comprehensive exams before embarking on further missions in service to the Church.

Their ordination marks a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, reinforcing the commitment to serve God and His people with humility, wisdom, and faithfulness.