VOCATION

A NEW DEACON FOR THE COMBONI MISSIONARIES

Emmanuel Likonye MCCJ, a Comboni missionary from Chiradzulu, Blantyre, Malawi, was ordained deacon by the Right Reverend Bishop of Witbank, Xolelo Kumalo on the 18th of August this year, on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, feast day of the Parish served by the Comboni Missionaries at Acornhoek, Mpumalanga. This is Deacon Likonye’s testimony at his ordination:

BY FR RAUL TABARANZA MCCJ

MY FORMATION journey seemed to me like a rite of passage, as I moved from one stage to the other. My diaconate ordination was a significant moment of joy for me. It overwhelmed me with a sense of fulfilling God’s calling. Everything that had happened during my initial formation stages seemed like preparation for this day of transition.

After my studies in Kenya, I completed my missionary service in Acornhoek. It has been a period of prayer and work, of recollecting myself and planning; like a gestation period, where the outcome is not yet certain. I have found myself still questioning the worth of my calling, in fulfilling God’s will, and responding to the needs of those the Lord will put on my way.

During my nine-day retreat, prior to the ordination, I reflected on the theme “to serve and to witness Christ,” and the sacrifices that go with it. It was a reminder of the words of St. Gregory of Nyssa: “Fighting the good fight of faith,” and those of St. Paul: “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old has passed away” (2 Cor 5:17).

A few days before my diaconate ordination, I felt I needed to have people close to me rather than being alone; to be listened to rather than me listening to them. One of our Christians, Mary, a very caring and loving mother, often reminded me not to forget to pray for this great day of my life. Her closeness reminded me of Mary with her Son Jesus.

On the day of the ordination, a great number of people gathered, waiting for the procession. I experienced how people dedicated their time to pray for me. Emotions overwhelmed me; the words of St. Peter came to me: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pe 2:9).

The journey has not been easy, but it ended beautifully. My parents and relatives were not present, but I felt embraced by those who were in attendance. I thank my sponsors, Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Shubane, for taking me to the altar. I also thank a Kenyan friend, Joyce Karweni, who offered me the alb and the stole I used for the occasion.

For everything, God’s name is great, and His mercy endures forever!