The Saint Pius X Parish in Ngoya, in the Diocese of Obala in Cameroon, witnessed a momentous occasion on 1 February 2024, as the Commemoration of the Blessed Claretian Martyrs became the backdrop for a series of ordinations. The solemn Eucharistic celebration marked the diaconal and presbyteral ordinations of Claretians. Mgr. Sosthène Bayemi Matjei, Bishop of Obala Diocese, presided over the sacred ceremony, filling the occasion with solemnity and grace.
In a faithful commitment to the Church and its mission, four Claretians were ordained to the diaconate: Albert Pascal Embolo, Norbert Doulani, Simon Armel Essomba, and Wilson Tim Ankiambom.
Claretian Deacons Bertin Abeng D. Frundi, Casimir Mevoungou, Cedric Raoul Tedongmo, Martin Joel Mboudou, Melvin Ngwakongnwi Neba, Steve Rodrigue Ndomo, and Ulrich Mbah Essomba, were ordained as priests.
In his homily, Mgr. Sosthène Bayemi Matjei underlined the importance of anointing, highlighting its crucial role as well as the divine investiture and the spiritual mission it entrusts to those who receive it. The bishop encouraged the brothers to become good servants, guides and shepherds of the people of God. They will need to ardently seek compassion, humility and be totally dedicated in their ministry.
“I invite you to follow the example of Christ Jesus in the gospels and also that of your founder, Saint Antony Mary Claret, who burned with great apostolic zeal,” he said.
After the Mass, the Bishop, the new priests and deacons, other confrères, family members of the ordinands and other guests gathered at the Theologate of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to continue sharing the joy over a fraternal meal offered by the Delegation.
On the other hand, in Charal, India, in a sacred ceremony held at St. Sebastian Parish, Indian Deacon Dayas Vazhakalaputhenpura, CMF, of the Province of Santiago (Spain), was ordained to the priesthood. The momentous occasion took place on 3 February 2024, through the laying of hands by Msgr. Joseph Pamplany, Bishop of Thalassery Archdiocese, India.
The ordination ceremony was attended by delegates from the Province of Santiago, Claretians from the Province of St. Thomas, the local clergy, family, relatives and friends of Fr. Dayas.
