Ordination_

ORDINATION MASS TO THE DIACONATE
Bernard Codjo Meghihou and Jervas Mawut Mayik Nyok

What a glorious morning! for St. Ailbe Parish. First and foremost we come together to praise God and to give thanks for God's many blessings. This Sunday was particularly special. On this Sunday we affirmed publicly the ordination of Bernard Codjo Meghihou and Jervas Mawut Mayik Nyok. Many came to show their support and to add their blessings for entrance of these deacons into ordained ministry. St. Ailbe Catholic Church was honored to be selected to serve as the host Church for the ordination of Bernard Codjo Meghihou and Jervas Mawut Mayik Nyok, which was administered by Bishop John Manz. Diocesan priests, brother deacons, the families and friends of the ordinandi's and St. Ailbe parish filled the Church. The following pictures review the wonderful heartfelt moments of that day... The Procession comes to the Altar preceded by the Book of the Gospels...

The Rite of Ordination. During the Rite of Ordination, the Deacon calls for the seminarians to stand. "Let Bernard and Jervas who are to be ordained deacon please come forward...We rely on the help of the Lord God and our Savoir Jesus Christ and we choose these men, our brothers, for the order of deacons."
Calling Presentation and Election. Then the Vocation Director begins a dialogue with the Bishop asking him to ordain this seminarian for service in the Church. The Bishop then "elects" the candidate and the congregation offers approval by applause.
Commitment to Celibacy. Examination of the Candidate. The "elect" promises to offer his life in service to the Church. He pledges to pray the Divine Office, live as a celibate, preach the Gospel in word and deed, and foster his spiritual growth as a leader among God's people.
Promise of Obedience. Invitation to Prayer. As the people intercede with all the Saints for the new ordinandi's, they lie prostrate ("the ancient gesture of supplication and the dying of self,") before the altar in prayer during the Litany of the Saints.. In a separate promise, the elect pledges respect and obedience to the Bishop as they each individually kneel before the Bishop.
Laying on of Hands. Prayer of Consecration. Bishop John Manz lays hands upon Br. Bernard Codjo Meghihou and Br. Jervas Mawut Mayik Nyok as he invokes the Holy Spirit in this solemn act of ordination, just before the prayer of consecration over them.

Presentation of the Book of Gospels. The book of the Gospels is presented to the newly ordained deacons. "Bernard and Jervas receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you now are. Believe what you read teach what you believe and practice what you teach." The deacons present in the congregation then came up into the sanctuary to welcome the two into the order of deacons with a sign of peace. The parents and family of the ordinandi's presented the gifts during the Mass

Congratulations! Our ordained deacons, Br. Bernard Codjo Meghihou and Br. Jervas Mawut Mayik Nyok join Bishop John Manz at the altar during the Eucharistic prayer. The new deacons minister at the altar. A reception for the new deacons and their families followed in St. Ailbe Hall in the lower level of the Church.

This Special Day at St Ailbe. The people were impressed with the Ordination. "It meant a lot to St Ailbe parishioners to share in the celebration.” It was a blessing to witness.

"Each Sunday we are formed together as members of one body through the Eucharist, the Great Thanksgiving, which shapes us as God's people and strengthens us for the work we have been given to do. Each Sunday is a celebration of Christ's resurrection, a reminder of new life and new hope given to each person by the power of God's mighty love. Every Sunday each person is an honored guest and every member a minister of God's grace to one another and the world around us." This ordination today is considered a sacrament. "Sacraments make visible and public what has been going on in a person's life. Sacraments are a tangible sign of God's presence. They help us celebrate our relationship to God and to one another."

This sacrament today has something very important to offer us as we gathered as a worshipping community. When we see someone taking vows and making promises before God and the people who love them, we too are called to examine our own lives. In this service, we are each asked to examine our own lives of service and God's call to us to love and serve one another. That's what being a deacon means. It comes from the Greek word for servant. It is the word that Jesus uses when he says, "I am among you as one who serves." This is a communal event. We are here to lift up the ministry of each person as we share in responding to Christ's mission. This is happening in our midst. It is taking place in the context of our regular worship. Humility and hope characterize today's ordination. It follows the model of service of our Lord Jesus who willingly allowed himself to become the servant of all.

Ordination Excerpts "Archdiocese Lit.1995"

RETURN HOME

The Dove As a Christian symbol it was frequently used in ancient ecclesiastical art. As a symbol of the Holy Spirit it appears especially in representations of Our Lord symbolizing inspiration or rather Divine guidance. (Matthew 3: 16) Matthew 3: 16 “After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him”.