Newly Ordained Priests, Deacon in Angola Urged to Stay Close to People in Moments of Difficulty

Bishop Vicente Carlos Kiaziku of the Catholic Diocese of Mbanza Congo urged two newly ordained priests and a newly ordained deacon to remain present to people facing sickness and suffering. During ordinations held on September 19 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, the bishop told Deacons Augusto Baptista and Manuel, and newly ordained Deacon Seminarian Eduardo Cano, that these difficult moments reveal the depth of Christian brotherhood.

Bishop Kiaziku told the men to proclaim the Gospel through their words and their lives while approaching their ministry with joy and dedication. He specifically emphasized the need to reach people unable to attend church due to illness. The bishop noted that accompanying the sick, providing Viaticum, and helping them stay connected to the community are essential ways the Church remains present during suffering.

To help reach those who cannot attend Mass, the bishop called for the greater use of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.