KENYA: A Glimmer of Hope For Apostles of Jesus Congregation as Apostolic Nuncio Ordains 14 Deacons
Newly Ordained Priests from the Congregation of Apostles of Jesus
His Excellency Most Rev. Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan on Friday August 9 ordained fourteen deacons of the Apostles of Jesus Congregation to Priesthood in a colourful ceremony that was held at the Apostles of Jesus Shrine in Nairobi-Kenya. The event brought hope to the Congregation which was placed under a Pontifical Commission inquiry by the Vatican in June 2018.
Speaking at the ordination, the Nuncio called on the Apostles of Jesus Pontifical Commissary, Rev Fr Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, MCCJ to be a symbol of healing to the Congregation, saying that his name ‘Raphael’ is providential because the Angel Raphael in the Book of Tobit was a symbol of the healing of mind, body and spirit.
Apostolic Nuncio o Kenya and South Sudan
He expressed hope that the rehabilitation process for the Congregation is on track and that soon it might be back on its feet.
“The Commissary team is doing a commendable job and as you can see, my presence here today is an indication that things are moving in the right direction,” Archbishop Van Megen said.
The Pontifical Commissary, Rev. Father Wokorach announced that candidates on perpetual vows will resume their program towards deaconate ordination in mid-September.
“We have brothers who are on perpetual vows. The team on formation and ongoing formation has done formidable job to prepare the program and we are ready to go. The program will start in the middle of September this year,” Father Wokorach said adding that as required by the Holy See, the Commissary team had to guide them, evaluate them and present them for the ordination.
“I give you this homework, continue praying that the process may be fruitful and meaningful for all of them as they start the journey again,” he urged the congregants.
The Vatican through the Prefect in charge of Congregation for the Institute of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, His Eminence Joao Braz Cardinal de Avis, ordered the suspension of the activities of the Congregation of Apostles of Jesus and appointed Rev. Fr. Raphael p’Omony Wokrach, a Comboni Missionary, to head the Pontifical inquiry, hence taking over all the duties of the leadership of the Congregation as he continues conducting further investigation.
for the Apostles of Jesus Congregation
According to the Decree given at the Vatican in June 2018, the Apostles of Jesus was found culpable for “very problematic situations and serious shortcomings regarding fundamental elements of consecration and Religious discipline; the formation of candidates and members; the style of life; and the apostolate.”
The Congregation was therefore prohibited from admitting new members to the novitiate and to temporary and perpetual religious profession; diaconal ordinations were also suspended.
The Apostles of Jesus Congregation was founded in 1968 by two Comboni Missionaries in Moroto Diocese in Uganda. The Congregation whose current population is estimated to 270, including Priests and perpetually professed brothers has presence in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and the Republic of South Sudan. However, some of their members currently work in South Africa, Botswana and Ethiopia; USA, Cuba, Puerto Rico., Australia, Papua New Guinea, Germany, Rome and England.
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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online New
