Dedza Catholic Diocese has five more priests following the ordination of five deacons to priesthood at a colorful ceremony which was presided over by the Bishop of the diocese, His Grace, Emmanuel Kanyama, Saturday at Msipe Parish in Ntcheu District.

The five deacons, Lazarus Magonde 30, Alfred Kalumbi 29, Josephy Biliati 29, Emmanuel Tchuma, 31 and Mathews Chimtendere 30 were ordained as Diocesan priests.

During the ceremony, Bishop Kanyama said it is not easy for the diocese to have five more priests, saying there a lot of things which bar people from listening to God’s calling.

“These days God’s calling is hindered by human pleasure and happiness as such it is difficult for people to follow God’s calling to priesthood, brotherhood, sisterhood and marriage life,” said Bishop Kanyama.

He said everything created by God is good and should be used to glorify his name; however he said most people have turned much of their attention to material things neglecting God.

The Bishop then commended the newly ordained priests for their perseverance and hard working throughout their way to priesthood.

“I wish you well and advise you to dedicate your lives to serving God and abide by all ethics of priesthood and teachings of the Catholic Church, otherwise I will not hastate to call your for disciplinary action, as a good father punishes his children for disobedience,” he advised.

He also appealed to the faithful to support the priests by praying for them and they too as priests should always be praying describing prayer as the most important prayer in spiritual life.

The ordination ceremony also marked Silver Jubilee for Fr. Protazio Mantchichi and Fr.Consolatus Kanzati, who renewed priesthood vows during the ceremony.

Bishop Kanyama allocated Fr. Magonde to Mzama Parish, Fr. Tchuma to Bembeke Parish, Fr. Biliati to Msipe Parish, Fr. Kalumbi to Tsangano Parish and Fr. Chimtendere to Saint Kizito Minor Seminary.

The ceremony was attended by the Vice President, Dr. Saulos Claus Chilima, several priests, nuns, brothers, government officials, Paramount Chief Gomani V including the laity of the Catholic Church from all parts of the country.