As the Church journeys through this sacred season of hope and renewal, we are filled with joy and gratitude to share a momentous occasion in the life of our companions.

On April 22, 2025, the Society of Jesus marked a moment of profound joy and gratitude as three scholastics from the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM): Thomas D. Djabaku, SJ (ANW), Ayele Shalamo Gobena, SJ (AOR), and Fabrice Kikwenge, SJ (ACE), were ordained to the diaconate alongside fifteen other Jesuit companions from across the globe during a solemn liturgical celebration held at the historic Chiesa del Gesù (Church of the Gesù) in Rome, Italy.

The ordination, a truly grace-filled celebration, deeply rooted in the richness of Jesuit tradition and the universal Church, was conferred through the imposition of hands and the consecratory prayer of His Excellency Mons. Antuan Ilgit, SJ, Bishop of Tubernuca and Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, Turkey. Presiding over the Mass with reverence and pastoral depth, Bishop Ilgit reminded the ordinands of their sacred call to humility, service, and proclamation of the Gospel. His homily offered both encouragement and challenge, urging the newly ordained to become authentic witnesses of Christ’s love in the world.

The celebration drew a wide gathering of the global Jesuit family. Among the concelebrants were Rev. Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, and His Eminence Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ. Their presence, along with Jesuits from diverse provinces and missions, gave the celebration a vibrant and universal character. Together, they enveloped the new deacons in fraternal prayer and spiritual solidarity.

A highlight of the liturgy was the moment each deacon received the Book of the Gospels-a powerful sign of their new ministry of preaching and service. The chanting of the Litany of the Saints invoked the support of the Church Triumphant, drawing the entire assembly into a deep experience of communion and grace.

For the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), the ordination was a particularly proud occasion. It marked a significant milestone in the ongoing formation of young Jesuits from the continent who continue to respond generously to the call of religious life. Members of the African provinces, especially the AOR (Eastern Africa), ANW (North-West Africa), and ACE (Central Africa), were present in strong support, celebrating this milestone in their companions’ vocational journey.

In a special way, the Ethiopian community in Rome joined the celebration, bringing joyful music, prayer, and a vibrant cultural presence that reflected the beauty of the universal Church.

The spirit of celebration continued beyond the liturgy. A post-Mass reception brought together friends, families, Jesuit companions, and guests from across the globe in a shared moment of thanksgiving.

As Deacons Thomas, Ayele, and Fabrice begin this new chapter in their lives of service, the Society of Jesus rejoices in their generous “yes” to God’s call. The path of diaconal ministry is one of self-giving, rooted in the love of Christ and expressed in service to the People of God. These men now carry forward that mission with courage, humility, and deep faith.

We ask for your continued prayers for Deacons Thomas, Ayele, and Fabrice and for all those ordained with them, that their ministries may be fruitful, compassionate, and ever faithful to the Gospel.

Ad majorem Dei gloriam (To the greater glory of God). Amen.