AMECEA: You are Called Call to Ministry and Service, Prelate to Seminarians
AMECEA Chairman with Bakanja seminarians
Eliud Kinyajui
On Sunday, February 11, the Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), during the Eucharistic celebration to confer ministries of Lectors and Acolytes to seminarians at Blessed Bakanja AMECEA College (BBAC), explained the relevance of sacramental initiation to the journey of service within the Church, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the seven Sacraments in spiritual life.
“Before one is instituted to the ministry of Lector, one must first receive the sacraments of initiation,” declared Bishop Charles Kasonde of Solwezi Diocese, Zambia, who was the main celebrant.
Reflected on the Gospel of Mark 1:40-45 in relation it to the three Sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), Rt. Rev. Kasonde who doubles as the Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), noted that the three Sacraments mark the beginning of a transformative journey towards holiness and service to God’s people.
Bishop Kasonde narrated further that Sacraments serve as foundational pillars, laying the groundwork for one’s spiritual journey and vocation.
Drawing parallels between the sacraments and the journey of a seminarian, the Zambian Prelate highlighted how the rites of passage prepare individuals for the sacred duties of ministry saying, “Just as the sacraments of initiation mark the beginning of a believer’s journey in faith, the ministry of lector and acolyte symbolizes a deeper commitment to serve the Church and its mission.”
In his reflection from the Gospel of Mark, Bishop Kasonde drew the congregants’ attention to the situation of the man who was cleansed of Leprosy- a narrative rich in symbolism and relevance to contemporary times. The Bishop elucidated how the infectious nature of the disease mirrored the societal challenges of discrimination and marginalization faced by many, a situation he compared with the recent epidemic of Covid-19.
“The Leprosy disease serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive evils of discrimination and marginalization in our society,” the Bishop remarked and continued, “Just as the disease spread rapidly, so too does discrimination, infecting hearts and minds with prejudice and intolerance.”
Furthermore, Bishop Kasonde exhorted the seminarians to emulate the compassionate example of Christ in their ministry and service.
“As future leaders of the Church, you are called to be beacons of hope and agents of change. Let your ministry be characterized by love, inclusivity, and service to all, especially the marginalized and vulnerable,” he said.
In conclusion, the AMECEA chairman reiterated the profound connection between sacramental initiation, ministry, and service, and emphasized that one’s journey of faith is intrinsically linked to their commitment to serve others.
“As you embark on this sacred journey of ministry, may you be guided by the transformative power of the sacraments and the compassionate love of Christ,” he concluded.
In essence, Bishop Kasonde’s homily served as a clarion call for seminarians to embrace their call to ministry with fervor and dedication, rooted in the profound sacramental Graces and fueled by a commitment to serve the marginalized and oppressed, echoing the timeless message of Christ’s love and compassion for all.
