Catholic Bishop in Angola Urges 18 New Priests and Deacons to Embrace Lifelong Service, Not a Career

Bishop Emílio Sumbelelo of the Diocese of Viana in Angola urged 18 newly ordained priests and deacons to view their ministry as a lifelong mission of service rather than a career for personal gain or material benefit. During an ordination ceremony held October 4 at Our Lord Redeemer Parish, the bishop told the 11 men ordained to the priesthood and seven seminarians ordained to the diaconate that Holy Orders requires a life of self-giving.

Bishop Sumbelelo noted that the candidates completed at least 10 years of formation and discernment before their ordination. He cautioned that receiving these orders marks the start of greater responsibility to the Church and local communities instead of the end of their training.

The bishop distinguished between a profession, which focuses on livelihood, and a vocation, which is tied to service and lived continuously. He explained that authentic vocational choices are made through systematic accompaniment, where candidates examine their motivations to ensure they are prepared to dedicate their lives to the mission.