Two Seminarians Ordained as Deacons
Fr Leonard E Dollentas
In a joyous and sacred ceremony, Adriano Serro Agostinho and Chan Pak Lam Bosco were ordained as deacons for the Catholic Diocese of Macau on December 30, 2023, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards priesthood. The ordination mass was celebrated by Bishop Stephen Lee, with the seminary formators and priests of the diocese concelebrating. This event marks a significant highlight in the faith journey of the Diocese following the conclusion of the 2023 synodality and during the celebration of the Diocesan Year for Vocation. The faithful of Macau were joyously grateful for the gift of vocation of the two new deacons, who are locally nurtured and formed in the Diocese for their ministry. Family members, friends, fellow seminarians, and members of the local community gathered to witness and celebrate this significant milestone.
During the ceremony, Bishop Lee laid his hands on the candidates’ heads, invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon them, and offered a prayer of consecration. The newly ordained deacons received the Book of the Gospels, symbolizing their responsibility to proclaim the Good News. They were vested with the stole, a sign of their ordained ministry, and the dalmatic, a liturgical garment specific to deacons.
Locally formed Catholic deacons or priests are trained to serve the specific needs of their local communities. According to an article on Vatican News, seminaries are “laboratories” where not only the intellect is formed, but especially the heart – every fiber of the person that is human prior to being Christian, of men called to become pastors of souls. The Congregation for the Clergy is particularly attentive to the areas of activity that encompass and govern all aspects of the life of a minister of God in its various details. By being trained locally, priests can better understand the culture, language, and customs of their communities, which can help them to better serve the people they are called to minister to more effectively.
The path to the diaconate is a rigorous and transformative journey undertaken by individuals who feel called to serve God and His people within the Catholic Church. Such was the path taken by Adriano Serro Agostinho and Chan Pak Lam Bosco. Preparation to the sacred ordination typically involves years of prayer, study, discernment, and formation in the seminary where aspiring seminarians preparing for the priesthood receive comprehensive theological and pastoral training.
As deacons, Reverend Adriano and Reverend Bosco are now part of the clergy, serving as a bridge between the laity and the priesthood. They are called to emulate the servant leadership of Jesus Christ by ministering to the spiritual and material needs of the faithful. Deacons are entrusted with various responsibilities, including assisting in liturgical celebrations, proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, administering sacraments such as baptism and marriage, and engaging in charitable works.
Each newly ordained deacon has a unique story that brought them to this momentous occasion. Their personal journeys are a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to serving God and the Church.
Reverend Adriano is a local and was born in Macau. After completing his degree in medicine in Portugal, he entered the St Joseph Seminary in Macau. During his formation, Reverend Adriano engaged in his local community, particularly the Portuguese community in the cathedral, working with youth groups and organizing catechetical programs. His intellectual nature and leadership skills have made him a beloved figure among his peers and mentors.
Reverend Bosco is from Hong Kong. His vocation journey was initially inspired by a religious congregation serving the youth. Throughout his formation, after he joined the Macau Diocese, Reverend Bosco combined his theological studies with practical ways to find the broken body of Christ in the needy, the poor and the young people. Reverend Bosco journeyed with the youth in their poverty, inequality, and homelessness. His dedication to the youth in need and advocacy for the suffering poor has inspired many around him, and he is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need in Macau.
With their ordination as deacons, these two young men embark on a new chapter of service and ministry within the Catholic Church. They are poised to bring their unique gifts, talents, and experiences to their respective parishes and communities, enriching the lives of those they encounter.
The ordination of these seminarians as deacons is not only a reason for celebration within their immediate circles but also a source of hope and inspiration for the wider Catholic community. Their commitment to spreading the message of love, compassion, and mercy aligns with the Church’s mission to bring everyone to the healing presence of God through his sacraments.
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