On the 14th of February 2026, 15 Jesuit scholastics, along with 8 non-Jesuits, took a significant step in their spiritual journey as they were ordained deacons at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Nairobi, Kenya, by Nuncio Hubertus Matheus Maria Van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya.

The Jesuits included: Arasarkadavil Christy J. Peter, S.J., Bonosa Kwadwo Fosu, S.J., Camille Mukoso Muzieme, S.J., Christian Kombe Lele, S.J., Ismaël Herinandrasana, S.J., Joseph Kambale Kasumba, S.J., Laurent Guy Randrianarimanga, S.J., Marku Dinoshan, S.J., Nirina Roch Ranjaramanana, S.J., Patient Aganze Bunani, S.J., Pierre-Guelord N’Situ Makambu, S.J., Ronald Odhiambo Owiyo, S.J., Tafumanei Chikanya, S.J., Thiranjala Niroshan Anton Weerasinghe, S.J., and Vitalis Chidiebere Mberu, S.J.

In addition, five Augustinians of the Assumption and three Carmelites of Mary Immaculate participated in this sacred event.

Nuncio Hubertus Matheus shared that “aunos” meaning a servant or one who does errands, reflects their calling to serve God, while also emphasising the mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe to spread the good news. The Hekima community's various apostolic engagements make Our Lady of Guadalupe a beacon of unity and charity, as the people of God gather to witness the courageous steps of the aunos moving toward priesthood. Throughout their theological journey at Hekima College University, many have actively served, teaching catechism to youth, visiting the sick, and assisting at Sunday Masses.

The ordination was enriched by the full liturgical rites of a diaconate. Fr. Jose Minaku, S.J., the president of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar, presented the candidates to the Church on behalf of the Rector, Fr. Emmanuel Foro, S.J., as the Nuncio carefully examined their credentials. They have undergone profound learning in servitude, guided by their formators, and are now ready to commit their lives to God in the ministerial priesthood.

During the homily, Nuncio Hubertus Matheus highlighted the Church's rich tradition of celibacy, a vital aspect of their forthcoming ministry. He urged them to become mediators between the Church and the world, deepening their spirit of prayer and fulfilling their duties in celebrating the Liturgy of Hours for the Church and all creation.

After the angelic echoes of the Litany of the Saints, the candidates rose from their prostration on the cold stone floor—an embodiment of total surrender to the Divine Majesty who has called them to shepherd His flock. In a remarkable ceremony, the deacons were vested by elder priests who journeyed alongside them, now welcoming them into a new chapter of their apostolic lives.

Symbolically, the Nuncio presented each deacon with the Book of the Gospel, the essential tool of their ministry, as they committed to believe, teach, and practice the Word of God faithfully in the Church through their diverse apostolic missions.

This moment served as a profound inspiration for family members, well-wishers, and parishioners, bearing witness to a mystery that resonates universally and personally. This new ministry of deacons will empower them to assist bishops and priests, focusing on liturgical service, preaching the Gospel, and charitable works. It is also a preparation for their future across their nine different countries, balancing institutional and sacramental languages as they embrace their sacred calling.