Giovanni ordained as Deacon by Archbishop Tlhagale in Mulbarton

The ordination was a heartfelt ceremony and truly memorable day for all who attended.

Making the promise of obedience.

On September 14, after completing the required five years of study, Giovanni Larigan Abrahams was ordained as a deacon of the Catholic Church.

His grace Archbishop Buti Tlhagale at the parish of Our Lady of Lebanon in Mulbarton, south of Johannesburg, led the ordination.

An elated deacon Giovanni Abrahams with Archbishop Buti Tlhagale.

The ordination Mass took place at 09:30, celebrated by Tlhagale together with Father Elie Saade, parish priest and vice superior of the Maronite Church of South Africa.

At the end of Mass, the deacon had the honour of giving his first blessing to his mother, wife and daughter.

There are several key moments in the rite of ordination. These include the candidate lying prostrate on the floor while all in attendance kneel and recite the litany of saints, the candidate kneeling before the bishop promising celibacy, prayer and obedience, consecration through the invocation of the Holy Spirit by the archbishop, presentation of the deacon’s stole and dalmatic vestment by the assisting priest.

Tea and cake were served after the Mass.

Giovanni is presented to the bishop by his family.

The bishop places the Book of the Gospels in the hands of the newly ordained, saying, “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

Bishop Buti Tlhagale (centre left), deacon Giovanni Abrahams in the centre and Father Elie Saade (centre right), surrounded by ministers of the Eucharist and the local chapter of the Knights of Da Gama.

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