The Jesuit family in Africa joyfully celebrates the ordination of four of its sons to the priesthood: Fr Ricardo Nogueira, SJ (Zimbabwe), Fr Tafumanei Chikanya, SJ (Zimbabwe), Fr Brendon Nayanah, SJ (South Africa), and Fr Maximus Chongo, SJ (Zambia).
Their ordination is a joyful moment not only for their families and communities, but also for the Society of Jesus and the wider Church in Africa. Coming from three different countries of Southern Africa, their vocation is a beautiful sign of the diversity and vitality of the Jesuit mission on the continent.
The four Jesuits were ordained on the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola at Christ the King Cathedral in Johannesburg, by His Eminence Stephen Cardinal Brislin. The celebration brought together the Church, the Society of Jesus, families and friends in thanksgiving for the gift of their vocations and in prayer for the ministry that now lies before them.
As they begin their priestly ministry, we pray that the Lord may bless them with faithful, joyful and fruitful service to Christ and His Church. May they be generous companions to the people entrusted to their care, attentive to the realities and hopes of the African people, and ever ready to serve wherever the mission calls them.
Following in the footsteps of St Ignatius of Loyola, may they continue to seek and find God in all things, offering their gifts generously for the greater glory of God.
We give thanks for the gift of these new priests and for the families, communities and Jesuit companions who have accompanied them throughout their vocational journey.
Congratulations, Fathers! May your priestly ministry bear abundant fruit for the Church, the Society of Jesus and the people of Africa and beyond.
The Editorial Team | JHIA
