Zimbabwe- Mozambique: Three Jesuits ordained to priesthood

New Jesuit Fathers: Ernesto Graciano, Inos Chimire, Clemence Mutimutema

Source: Jesuit Communications

Three Zimbabwe-Mozambique Jesuits: Ernesto Graciano SJ, Inos Chimire SJ and Clemence Mutimutema SJ were ordained to priesthood in the months of July and August in Mozambique and Zimbabwe respectively. Ernesto Graciano SJ was ordained by Nampula’s Archbishop, His Grace Inácio Saúre (former Bishop of Tete) on 29 July at Missão de Lifidzi in Angonia, Mozambique.

A week later, Inos Chimire SJ and Clemence Mutimutema SJ made their vows and were ordained on the 5th of August 2017 at St Paul’s Mission by His Grace Robert Ndlovu, Archbishop of Harare.

The two were ordained together with David Sibanda OFM, Simeon Changa, John Justin Jagaja, Tozivepi Crispen Chari, Ephraim Murwira, Tapiwa Alexio Matsika and Dominican Caleb Denhere.

In his homily, Fr Tresford Chota SDB reminded the newly ordained priests that they are meant to serve the Church and live like Christ, bringing people to Him.

"Today you have not been promoted or given a top position, you are being ordained to be servants and preachers of the Word of God; so live this all the time so that people may know that this is what you are."

The charismatic preacher emphasized that the Church needs priests who lead people by example, who revere the spiritual and ministerial gifts Jesus sends to his priests.

He concluded by urging all the priests to reflect on St Ignatius of Loyola’s concept of being contemplatives in action. This is where one’s intellect is engaged as they go about doing the nitty-gritty work of the Church or the world.

Addressing the Vatican department in charge of priests recently, Pope Francis said he is always happy when he sees young priests, because they are important for Christ and represent the youthful face of the Church. The Holy Father added that like the Good Shepherd who goes out to find the lost sheep, priests must not only “keep the doors open,” but actively go out to find those who are lost.

Multitudes who attended the ordinations, including the parents and relatives of the ordained received blessings at the end.