On Saturday 29 June 2024, three new Piarist priests were ordained in the church of St Mary Mother of God in Daloa: Éric Espérance KAH, Stéphane Kouamé KOUADIO and Jean ROUAMBA. The ceremony, presided over by Msgr Marcellin Yao KOUADIO, Bishop of the Diocese of Daloa, took place in a solemn and contemplative atmosphere and brought together the community of the faithful, the members of the clergy, and the relatives of the candidates for the priesthood and other Piarist priests.
The ceremony began with the entrance procession, which was characterised by a strong presence of priests from the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Burkina-Faso, who had come to support our Piarist brothers. The Liturgy of the Word consisted of readings specially chosen for the occasion, which emphasised the priestly vocation and service to the community.
In his homily, Monsignor Marcelino reminded the candidates for the priesthood of the importance of service, humility and dedication in the life of a priest. He took the opportunity to give them some wise advice. He told them: “Dear candidates for ordination, through your ordination you will become privileged collaborators of the episcopal order with the threefold task of leading, teaching and sanctifying the Church. I exhort you to fulfil your apostolate with zeal, courage and a spirit of service and humility. Let Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant, be your model. If you fear God, serve his holy people with respect. A priest must respect the people of God. Do not be afraid of the difficulties you will encounter, but keep your eyes always on Christ, yes, on Christ, always on Christ.”
After the bishop’s sermon, it was time for the ordination ceremony, during which Fathers Eric, Stéphane and Jean were ordained priests of Jesus Christ. Happy to be associated with the priesthood of Christ, the new priests expressed their gratitude to God for the gift of priesthood and also their gratitude to the Pious Schools of West Africa who have placed their trust in them.
At the end of the ceremony, the family and friends of the new priests as well as the faithful present expressed their joy and gratitude. “This is a blessed and moving day for all of us and we pray that they will be guided and protected in their ministry,” said one of the parents of the priests elected that day.
