September 24, 2024 (Việt Nam) - Last Tuesday, five of our confreres, particularly in and from the mission station in Việt Nam, received the gift of the diaconal ministry through the laying on of hands of the Most Rev. Joseph Nguyen Nang, DD, Archbishop of Saigon. The five religious, namely: Giu-se Nguyễn Hữu Bình, RCJ, Phê-rô Trần Duy Nhân, RCJ, Phê-rô Đỗ Xuân Trường, RCJ, Giu-se Chu Ngọc Kiên, RCJ and Augustinô Hoàng Trần Minh Châu, RCJ were ordained deacons in the Eucharistic celebration held at Bui Phat Parish, Archdiocese of Saigon.

Around 50 priests from Vietnam and the Philippines joined the joyous ritual. A good number of religious from other congregations, friends, benefactors, and the community of Bui Phat Parish also attended the eucharistic gathering.

In his homily, the Bishop invited the assembly to reflect on the roles and duties of the deacon in the Church. He pointed out that deacons were ordained to serve the altar. He says: “When serving the altar, deacons must be aware of the holiness of God and express their convictions. This is very important because it affects the faith of all the people of God. Therefore, every gesture and word of the deacons must express the holy presence of God and their faith.”

Next, the deacons are to preach the Gospel. Just as deacon Philip was moved by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God to the eunuch, deacons are bound by duty to preach the Word. So, the Archbishop reminds us: “In the age of technology, artificial intelligence can easily prepare a sermon for you. However, there is one thing that Artificial Intelligence cannot do: allow the Word of God to impact the heart and mind and transform the preacher’s life. Therefore, sermon preparation requires studying, meditating, praying, and living the Word of God first. Only then can you truly be a preacher of the Word of God.” He further advised: “Preach the Word of God; do not turn the pulpit into a place to preach trivial things.”

Finally, the Archbishop reminded the deacons to become servants like Jesus, not letting the worldly spirit creep into their hearts and seek worldly interest in ministry. Humility and selfless service must be the trademark, all for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

After the Eucharist, everyone enjoyed lunch with the newly ordained and their families.

We continue to pray for these newly ordained Rogationists that through the guidance of Mary and the intercession of Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia, they may strive to be faithful dispensers of the Word. May the Holy Spirit increasingly transform them who received the Gospel of Christ and become its herald, believe what they read, teach what they believe, and practice what they teach.

Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles into your Church!

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