Mendi Diocese Welcomes Two New Priests and a Deacon in Joyful Ordination Celebration
- Sr. Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine, MSC
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Kumin, Mendi Diocese, — The Diocese of Mendi rejoiced on 29 November 2025 as it celebrated the Sacerdotal Ordination of Deacon Paul Leme (diocesan) and Deacon Francis, OFM Cap, alongside the Diaconate Ordination of Seminarian Martin. The ceremony, held at Kumin Catholic Station, was marked by vibrant singing and deep reverence as hundreds gathered to witness the joyful moment.
Presiding over the Mass was Bishop Donald Lippert, OFM Cap, who reminded the newly ordained—and the entire faithful—of the heart of Christian ministry. In his homily, the bishop emphasized that the priesthood is not a position of prestige, but a life of service patterned after Christ.
“In every ordination, you will not see me put a king’s crown on their heads,” Bishop Lippert said. “The essence of the priesthood is service. I could just as well put a towel around their waist to show that they are here to serve.”
He reflected on the Year of Reverence currently being observed across the diocese—a spiritual initiative that began on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in June and will conclude on the same feast day next year. The bishop said this special year is a timely reminder to the clergy that they are called not to be served, but to serve God’s people with humility and love.
During his homily, Bishop Lippert highlighted three foundational pillars of reverence, urging the new priests and deacon to make them central to their ministry:
Adore God
Love God
Worship God
“Your mission is to teach God’s people these three important points that underscore reverence for God,” he said. “It is your primary mission.”
He reminded the ordinands that in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, they become servants in the likeness of Christ, who offered His life for humanity and carried His cross to the point of death. Their “yes” to the call of God, he added, is a commitment to a lifelong ministry of sacrifice, compassion, and faithful service.
As the Mass continued, the congregation witnessed the solemn and powerful rites of ordination—from the laying on of hands to the prayer of consecration—welcoming the new priests and deacon with heartfelt applause and joyful celebration.
The ordination at Kumin Catholic Station marks a significant moment of blessing and hope for the Diocese of Mendi, strengthening the mission of the Church and renewing its commitment to form servant-leaders who will bring Christ’s love to the people of Southern Highlands and Hela.
