The Bishop of Kano Diocese, Most Rev. John Namaza Niyiring, OSA, on Sunday, December 18, 2022, ordained two Deacons during the 9:00am Mass at St. Louis Catholic Church, Bompai, Kano.

The ordained Deacons, Rev. Matthew Adah and Rev. Edwin Onah, are studying at the Good Shepherd Interdiocesan Seminary, Kaduna and will serve as transitional Deacons, to be ordained Priests on completion of their studies.

In his homily, the ordaining Prelate, Bishop Niyiring, spelt out the responsibilities of Deacons, noting that they “baptize, witness marriages, proclaim the Gospel at Mass and serve as ordinary ministers of Holy Communion in the Church.”

He further stated that there are two types of Deacons in the Church; the transitional and permanent Deacons, explaining that unlike transitional Deacons who are in the process of being ordained Priests, permanent Deacons are usually married men who are not aspiring to the Priesthood.

The Chief Shepherd of Kano Diocese however noted that “both permanent and transitional Deacons preach and teach, assist Priests and Bishops in the celebration of the Eucharist, and oversee ministries of charity and justice.”

By Fr. Isaiah Patrick