Malawian ordained deacon in Kenya

New Year’s Day 2015 will remain unforgettable for Pius Chilimba, a Malawian who was ordained deacon for Comboni Missionaries in Kenya.
Chilimba is to serve the nomadic Pokot people of Amakuriat Roman Catholic Parish, north western Kenya.
The colourful mass of ordination was led by the Reverend Bishop Damiano Guzzetti of Moroto Diocese in Uganda.
It was spiced by liturgical dances performed by youths, women and men— many clad in traditional Pokot regalia.
In his homily, Guzzetti advised the deacon to follow the example of Mary the Mother of God, who despite her status was the servant of God.
Chilimba was ordained to the deaconate together with John Bitia of Kisangani Archidiocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The parishoners of Amakuriat presented the new deacon with the most significant traditional symbols of the Pokot culture and life—a stool and a stick.
While Pokot men use these items when shepherding their animals, Chilimba is expected to use them in shepherding the people of God.
In an interview after the ceremony, Chilimba said he was thankful to God for the grace to serve Him.
“I am indebted to God’s love and care. Besides, I wholeheartedly thank the people of Pokot for the experience they have given me in my calling,” he said.
Pius was born on September 11 1982 at Katundu Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimaliro in Thyolo. He did his primary education at Goliati Primary School before going to Pius XII Seminary for his secondary education.
Following his early calling to serve God, Chilimba went into postulancy with the Comboni Missionaries at the Inter-Congregational Seminary in Balaka from 2003 to 2006.
He later did his novitiate in Namugongo, Uganda from 2006 to 2008. From 2008 to 2012, Chilimba did his scholasticate in Kinshasa, DRC.
His ordination to deaconate on January 1 2015 came after his missionary experience at Amakuriat Parish in Kitale Diocese, Kenya from 2012 to 2014.
He is due to be ordained as a Comboni Missionary priest on June 20 2015 at Chingazi Parish, Blantyre.