News & Information from
The Sudan

Bishop Antonio Menegazzo ordains three Priests for Kordofan and Darfur

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2008
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Bishop Antonio Menegazzo, Apostolic Administrator of El-Obeid diocese, (Kordofan and Darfur) ordained three new priests for his diocese. On Sunday 27th July, the Catholic diocese of El-Obeid celebrated in the high mass, the ordination to the priesthood of Revs. Biong Kuol Deng (Dinka Ngok) Zachariah Osman Andina (Nuba-Lumuon) and Anthony Ernest Laa (Chollo).

The occasion which began at 7pm ended at 9pm with ululations and blessings. The candidates to the priesthood sat beside their parents, roped with last deaconate vestments. The cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Africa was packed to its full capacity with onlookers from other faiths fighting for spaces. Fr. John Oryem briefly had some seconds outside the cathedral with each candidate: Rev. Fr. Biong Kuol; "for me I feel normal even if I'm going to take in new life as a Catholic priest. I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me to face the hardships of my people whom I'm going to serve." Rev. Fr. Zachariah Osman; "I'm very grateful to see these great people; I thank God for helping me reach this day in my life." Rev. Fr. Anthony Ernest; "I think it is a nice time to come together as a family together with elderly priests. We are entering the new family of God."

On his part, H.L Bishop Menegazzo urged the faithful to support the newly ordained priests. "Christians, as these young men are joining their older brothers, they will always be with you. It is your duty to help them because they came from your families." The Bishop went on to send message to his new co-workers in the ministry. "As for you, pray hard so that the Lord will always comfort you in your priestly lives. In your private prayers, you will find your precious spiritual food. Take courage in facing the dangers, temptations and trials of this world. Like Jesus on his way to the cross, prayers and determination will help your priesthood as you see the suffering of your people daily in your lives." Bishop Antonio Menegazzo who is a Comboni missionary lived in the Sudan for 54 years. He has since 1997 ordained more than 20 priests for the diocese of El-Obeid, one of the largest in the world. Celebrations ensued on Monday 28th at Comboni High School Theater. After their "honey moon" to last for a month, the three priests will be assigned within Kordofan and Darfur regions.