The words of the psalmist beautifully express the feelings that inhabit the hearts of the Schoenstatt Family in Burundi: “Truly, the Lord has done a great thing for us, and now, we are glad indeed” (Psalm 126:3). Joining the psalmist, everyone professed their profound joy and gratitude to the Triune God and the dear Mother Thrice Admirable on the occasion of this day.
On Saturday, the 13th day of July, two members of the Secular Institute of Schoenstatt Fathers, Claver Karakura and Janvier Masirika, were raised to the office of Deacon. Rev. Claver Karakura hails from Rutovu in Bururi province, Burundi, and Rev. Janvier hails from Kadutu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A day of great joy for the Archdiocese of Bujumbura
The event began with the celebration of Holy Mass at 9:40 a.m. at Saint Edward Catholic Parish, Bukeye, in the Archdiocese of Bujumbura. It was honored by the presence of the Archbishop, Msgr. Gervais Banshiniyubusa, who was the Ordaining Prelate, the Archbishop Emeritus, Msgr. Evariste Ngoyagoye, together with many priests and religious and a countless number of the Catholic faithful.
In his introduction, the archbishop welcomed the entire people of God who had come from far and near to brace this occasion and immensely thanked the parishioners for the various preparations made for this event.
During the ceremony, not only the deacons of the Schoenstatt Fathers but also other seminarians and deacons from the diocese were ordained.
Trust in the Lord and keep the lamps burning
During the homily, the archbishop reflected on the three readings of the celebration. The first reading, taken from the book of Jeremiah (Jer. 1: 4-10), is about Jeremiah’s call and response to God. The archbishop advised the candidates to overlook their incapacities and trust in the Lord God, who qualifies those whom He has called.
Then, on the second reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, he admonished them to live as role models to the countless faithful who look up to them. Then, while reflecting on the Gospel taken from the book of Saint Luke (Luke 12: 35-48) on the theme of being vigilant, he motivated them to keep their lamp always lit, live out their ministries in fidelity, have confidence in God and our Blessed Mother without being discouraged. Finally, the archbishop invited all the catholic faithful to support their apostolic works and sacred ministries spiritually and materially.
10 new priests and 11 deacons
The ordination rites commenced properly at 11:10 a.m., and having said the consecration prayer at 11:40 a.m., our brothers became ordained ministers for the sacred work of God and the service of his holy Church. Ten deacons were raised to the sacred office of Priesthood, and 11 candidates, including Reverends Claver and Janvier, were raised to the office of deacon.
Surprisingly, all the newly ordained priests were vested with Chasubles, who had the MTA picture beautifully inscribed on them. One could ask, why? This is because the majority of them belong to the branch of Schoenstatt diocesan priests and might have possibly influenced others. One of the persons sitting next to me jokingly remarked that the number of Schoenstatt diocesan priests has increased with ten new members.
After the Mass, there was a reception where we had a lot of fun and shared joy. We ate, drank, and enjoyed every moment of the celebration. Some important dignitaries also gave many speeches, expressing their joy and gratitude to all the faithful and wishing the newly ordained ministers well in their ministry and lives. Our joy is indescribable, for we are truly amazed at the great things the Lord God has done for us, His beloved people, and now we are truly rejoicing.
