KENYA: Seminarians at Blessed Bakanja Cautioned Not To “Boast” of Ministries

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Seminarians who are in their formation to priesthood at Blessed Bakanja AMECEA College (BBAC) have been warned not to brag of the minor orders which are conferred on them for service to the people.

Speaking during homily on Thursday, March 17, just before the installation of eight acolytes and three lectors, the Secretary General of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Fr. Anthony Makunde reminded the seminarians that the ministries are not their personal property.

“Do not boast as if these ministries are yours,” the Secretary General warned the seminarians in his homily and explained that the ministries are given to serve the people of God.

Addressing the candidates to minor orders, Fr Makunde said that by receiving the ministries, “we are expected to act accordingly so that no one in the community misses to be reached with the word of God.” At the same time, “no one should miss accompaniment when in need of prayer.”

Fr. Makunde further advised the seminarians not to trust on themselves or anybody else “but to trust in the Lord.”

“Put the ministries you are to receive in the hands of the Lord since the ministries come from him,” he said to the candidates who were conferred the ministries by John Cardinal Njue, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi Archdiocese.

“This means you are to put the duties and responsibilities of these ministries in the hands of the Lord, and you will continue receiving God’s blessings to be effective to the people,” added AMECEA Secretary General.

He highlighted that Scripture warn of those who do not put their trust in the Lord saying, “Woe to those who put their trust in human beings, woe to those who put their trust on people and power, and to those who trust in the Lord they will bear fruits.”

Additionally, he stressed to the seminarians drawn from various countries within AMECEA region and form South Africa, that the more they receive from God, the more will be demanded from them.

To the eight who were awaiting the ministry of acolyte Fr. Makunde said: “You will be extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and so many people are in need of this Sacrament and other sacraments too, use the power you have been given to serve and share with those in need knowing that those who do not receive the ministries depend on us.”

On his part, Cardinal Njue who was the main celebrant urged the seminarians to forge ahead and remain firm in the call.

“Happy are we when we discover the purpose of which God sent us into this world, for it is when we embrace him and live authentically that we remain happy in our call, challenges notwithstanding,” the Cardinal said and continued, “You must know that challenges and difficulties come and pass but you are here to stay.”