The Province of East Africa rejoiced in accompanying five of our brothers to Final Vows and seven to Diaconate ordinations. Among them were two brothers from the Sacred Heart Province, Bangladesh, who had their post-novitiate formation in the province as part of the international integration program. These joyful events took place on the 24th and 25th May 2025.
The events began on 23rd May at Bishop McCauley Formation House, Nairobi, with the Installation of Lectors and Acolytes, the Blessing of the Habits and Insignia for our brothers preparing for Final Vows, and the Blessing of the Profession Crosses to be received the following day.
The sacred liturgy for final Profession on 24th May was presided over by Rev. Fr. Peter Caxton Mayanja, C.S.C., Provincial Superior, Province of East Africa, alongside Rev. Fr. George Kamal Rozario, C.S.C., Provincial Superior, Sacred Heart of Jesus Province in Bangladesh. Surrounded by family, confreres, formators, and members of the wider Church community.
Fr Peter Caxton Mayanja, CSC, Provincial Superior, PEA, received Final Vows of three of our brothers: Mr Onesmo Mwoleka, CSC, Mr. Joseph Isingoma, CSC and Mr. Katongole Ronald, CSC, Meanwhile Fr. George Kamal Rozario, CSC, Provincial Superior of Sacred Heart Province received the Final Vows of Mr. Jerome Sutting, CSC and Sushil Ignatius, CSC.
There was a reception for those in attendance at McCauley Formation House Nairobi, Kenya. Later in the evening we had dinner with the family of the newly finally professed, all Holy Cross members present and invited guests.
Watch the Full Final Profession Event Here
On the following day 25th May diaconate ordination commenced with mass being led by Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, CSSp!, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, Kenya. He ordained seven of our brothers to the Order of Diaconate. Five of them from the Province of East Africa: Mr. Deus Bwambale, CSC, Mr. Francis Amukasa (this two had made their Final Vows in Bangladesh on 2nd May 2025), Mr. Onesmo Mwoleka, CSC, Mr. Joseph Isingoma, CSC, and Mr. Katongole Ronald, CSC. Two of those ordained to diaconate were from Sacred Heart Province, Bangladesh: Mr. Jerome Sutting, CSC and Mr. Sushil Ignatius, CSC.
On both celebrations in attendance, we had Fr. Paul Elie Cadet, CSC and Fr Joseph Gansalves, C.S.C, Rector and Vice rector Notre Dame Church, France. We also had Holy Cross Family in attendance together with other religious communities around, families and friends of the newly ordained deacons. The lunch and dinner was at the McCauley Formation Nairobi. We thank God for these Our brothers who took final vows and were ordained deacons.
During his homily, Bishop Mbinda reflected deeply on the universality of God’s call, emphasizing that the Church is truly catholic—open to all cultures, nations, and peoples.
“God does not discriminate,” he proclaimed.
“He calls from every tribe and language to build one family, united in service and love.”
He went on to draw symbolic attention to the number seven—the number of those ordained—highlighting its biblical significance as a symbol of completeness and divine perfection.
Bishop Mbinda exhorted the newly ordained to embrace their ministry with humility, responsibility, and unwavering zeal. He drew from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1570) to remind them of their sacred duties as deacons: to proclaim the Gospel, assist in the celebration of the Eucharist, baptize, witness marriages, preside at funerals, and serve especially those most in need through works of charity.
“You are to be vessels of God’s love,” he said, “guided by the Word, strengthened by the Eucharist, and moved always by prayer.”
He further encouraged them to be authentic and powerful preachers of the Word, teaching with the authority of the Apostles, rooted in Scripture and enriched by deep personal reflection. “Prepare well your homilies,” he urged. “Teach with conviction. Let your words and your witness stir in people a desire to fall in love with God.”
Bishop Mbinda expressed heartfelt thanks to the parents and families of the newly ordained, acknowledging the courage and generosity it takes to offer sons to the service of the Church. He also praised the superiors, formators, and fellow religious for nurturing the vocations of these men and for walking with them in faith and fraternity.
“Continue to support them,” he said. “Give them opportunities for meaningful ministry. Be mentors, brothers, and guides.”
The ceremonies were marked by vibrant liturgical music, deep moments of prayer, and an overwhelming sense of unity and joy. The presence of two provincials—Fr. Mayanja and Fr. Rozario—underscored the global reach and fraternal solidarity of the Congregation of Holy Cross, which serves in over a dozen countries around the world.
As these seven newly ordained deacons now prepare to enter their respective pastoral assignments, they do so carrying the Cross of Christ as a sign of hope. Their ordination is both a personal milestone and a communal sign of God’s continued call to serve and to evangelize.
The Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa, remains committed to fostering vocations and forming men of compassion, wisdom, and courage for the service of the Church and the world. In the words of the Holy Cross Constitution,
“The mission is not ours; it is the Lord’s.”
Yet, we go forward with confidence, trusting that He who has called will continue to sustain.
We invite all members of the Church to accompany these brothers with their prayers, encouragement, and to rejoice with us in the gift of vocation and the promise of renewed mission.
Last modified: June 2, 2025