AFRICA/REPUBLIC OF CONGO -Rwandan refugee among first ordinations in the apostolic prefecture of Likouala

Monday, 4 December 2006

Brazzaville (Agenzia Fides)- A sign of the unity of the Church in Africa. This was how parishioners saw the ordination as Deacon of Rwandan refugee Celestin Ndagijimana, in Saint-Paul d'Impfondo Church in the apostolic prefecture of Likouala, Republic of Congo. Besides the ordination of deacon Celestin there was also the priestly ordination of Armel Mbabe the first priest to be ordained in Likouala.
The ordination Mass which took place on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 26 November in the presence of numerous faithful, was presided by papal nuncio Archbishop Andres Carrascosa, and concelebrated by Bishop Jean Gardin, Prefect Apostolic of Likouala and many priests. Present also civil and military authorities and members of various religions congregations.
The Christian community admired the family of Rev Armel who adopted Celestine.
In his homily Archbishop Carrascosa said he was happy to ordain the first local priest in Likouala and he thanked Célestin for choosing the Prefecture as his religious family. Recalling the feast of Christ the King the Nuncio said priests must be united with Christ, the King of Kings. Highlighting the value of priestly celibacy, as the same choice of life as Christ, the Archbishop recalled that the choice was made by the Catholic Church at the Council of Elvira: “We are celibate in order to love more, our heart must be big enough to love everyone but possess no one”. See images of ordination at www.fides.org. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 4/12/2006 righe 32 parole 301)


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