Four new priests ordained to be ‘servants of hope and peace’

JAMAICA

A momentous occasion unfolded at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Kingston, Sunday, February 2, as Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston ordained four candidates to the priesthood: Ethelbert Jude Akagha, Bartlomiej Kleczynski, Julius Mutebi and Chrisanctus Chidi Nwoko.

Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, the Emeritus Archbishop of Perugia and former President of the Italian Conference of Bishops, was present to offer his spiritual guidance.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Archbishop Emeritus Donald Reece and several international visitors from Poland, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Italy, and Guyana. The event was not only a profound moment for the candidates but also a joyous celebration of the global nature of the Church.

In his homily, Cardinal Bassetti spoke with deep affection and wisdom, addressing the newly ordained priests. He reminded them of the sacred responsibility they were assuming as they embarked on this new chapter in their lives.

“Let this be for you the sacred day of your offering,” Cardinal Bassetti began. “The day when you receive a great gift, but also a day when you take on a great responsibility.”

He emphasised the significance of their vocation in making the risen Lord present in their communities. The Cardinal encouraged the new priests to give the world “the bread of life,” offering peace and hope to the people of “this magnificent island,” where the beauty of creation reflects the glory and love of God.

Though the candidates hailed from various parts of the world, the Cardinal pointed out that Providence had guided them to serve the people of Jamaica “whom you already love and to whom you have already offered yourself as servants of hope and peace.”

He described their priesthood as a daily offering—an act of personal sacrifice akin to the Eucharist itself. “This sacrifice is continually offered to the glory of God, that is, to His presence that works in us and through us, helping us to fulfil what is good and overcome evil with good.”

Cardinal Bassetti drew attention to the significance of the Eucharist in the life of a priest. He referenced the example of St Teresa of Kolkata, who would have her nuns spend hours in Eucharistic Adoration before going out to serve the poor. “It is from the Eucharist that we understand the offering of our lives,” he explained. “…We fully understand man, his poverty, and his need.”

He acknowledged that the history of both Jamaica and Italy had been marked by struggles, suffering, and discrimination, but he urged the new priests to look forward with hope.

“Thank God, the tribulations of the past are now overcome. Look to the future with hope and full confidence in Christ. Do not be afraid because Christ is the Lord of History.”

The Cardinal ended his homily by offering his heartfelt prayers for the new priests and the entire diocesan community. He expressed his wish that in the Holy Year of Hope, their lives in Christ would grow intensely. “Only He knows the secrets of hearts,” the Cardinal noted. “He knows the desires and anguishes of each one. In Him alone there is peace and true human, spiritual, and social growth.”

Cardinal Bassetti then shared a special message from Pope Francis, which had been conveyed to him through the Vatican’s Secretary of State: that the blessing of the Lord be upon them all with peace and joy.