Three ordained transitional deacons

The Servants of Christ from Galatians 1:10 was the theme of the Ordination to the diaconate of three seminarians — Leo Elias, James Pitchay and Louis Loi, on Feb 26, 2018 at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

It was a proud moment for the parishioners of Kulim as two of their hometown young men, James and Louis, were ordained deacons. Leo Elias is from City Parish, Penang.

The Eucharist was celebrated by Bishop Sebastian Francis, with Cardinal Soter Fernandez, Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam, Msgr Michael Cheah and Msgr Henry Rajoo concelebrating. Close to 30 priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and parishioners from Kulim, Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth and even from Sitiawan came to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

The rite of ordination began after the Liturgy of the Word. The calling of the candidate was done by Permanent Deacon Lazarus Jonathan. This was followed by the presentation of the candidate by Fr Gerard Theraviam. Bishop Sebastian then presented them, as Deacons, to the people.

In his homily, Bishop Sebastian encouraged the deacons to find their source of strength through the Word of God and the Eucharist. “You are ordained as Deacons today and, soon, you will be ordained as priests. The identity of Christ will remain in you forever, for you are representing Christ, the servant.

“You will make a free choice to celibacy and a free choice to commit yourself to the promise of obedience to me and my successor. It is important that you must continue to purify your motivation, your intentions till the very end of your life,” said Bishop Sebastian.

The rite was followed by the commitment to celibacy, promise of obedience and the litany of supplication. During the Litany of the Saints, the three deacons prostrated before the altar. This was followed by the investiture with the stole and dalmatic, the presentation of the Book of the Gospels and ending with the kiss of peace.

Deacon Leo Elias has been assigned to St Anne’s parish Bukit Mertajam. Deacon Louis Loi will be serving in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butterworth and Deacon James Pitchay will be at the Church of Francis De Sales, Sitiawan.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online