“Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these, our brothers, for Order of the Priesthood”. These are the words of His Grace Bishop Romanus Elamu Mihali when ordaining eight priests, among them, two Consolata Missionaries. The priestly ordination took place in the Catholic Diocese of Iringa.
By Paulino Madeje *
The two young Consolata Missionaries ordained were: Fr. Joseph Mloka from the Diocese of Iringa, Tanzania, and Fr. Bene Nebiyu Baskalis from Ethiopia, both belonging to the Consolata Missionary in the African Continent Circunscription.
Amid the joyful and sacred atmosphere of the ordination celebration, one presence stood out as a symbol of continuity and fatherly blessing that of the retired bishop of Iringa, Bishop Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa.
Though no longer holding the pastoral staff, his presence served as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of service that transcends age or title. As he sat prayerfully through the liturgy, many felt the depth of his paternal pride and spiritual solidarity with the newly ordained.
For the Diocese of Iringa and for the Consolata Missionaries, the appearance of both the current bishop and his predecessor was a profound sign of unity – a bridge between the past and the future of the Church’s mission in Tanzania.
Described by many as a grace-filled moment, the event marked a significant addition to the missionary efforts of the Church. “It is a grace from God to get two more workers to serve in His vineyard,” a local faithful was heard saying, echoing the sentiments shared by many in the congregation.
The ordination followed a deeply moving vigil celebration the evening before, where the ordinands made their solemn oath of commitment and fidelity to God, publicly professing their faith. This sacred rite set the tone for the main celebration, which was filled with song, prayer, and profound reverence.
In his homily during the priestly ordination, Bishop Mihali urged the newly ordained to carry out their ministry in humility, reminding them that priesthood is not a privilege but a divine gift and responsibility. Drawing from the life and words of St. John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, he emphasized the immeasurable dignity of the priestly vocation.
“Value your priesthood,” he said. “It is a gift that you are not worthy to receive. And that is why Fr. John Mary Vianney overwhelmed by the immense value of priesthood exclaimed: ‘If I meet an angel and a priest, I will greet and embrace the priest first, a person who is able to touch the body and the blood of Christ with his hands.’”
The Iringa bishop further reminded the newly ordained that they are bearers of a sacred treasure, quoting the words of St. Paul: “We are carrying this precious gift in vessels of soil” (2 Corinthians 4:7), emphasizing both the fragility and the sacredness of the priestly calling.
For the Consolata Missionaries, this day was not just a celebration, but a renewal of their mission; to bring the Good News to all corners of the world.
A new priest speaks
Fr. Bene Nebiyu Baskalis’s voice rang with quiet conviction and humble joy. His journey to the altar, to the life of service and mission, is a testimony to the power of inspiration, faith, and deep commitment.
When asked what inspired him to join the Consolata Missionaries, Fr. Bene did not hesitate. His eyes lit up as he recalled the lives of those who had gone before him. “I was inspired by missionaries who studied other languages and customs and were prepared to risk their lives in order to save the souls of others,” he said thoughtfully. “But I was also driven by missionaries who were genuinely working hard and standing up for the underprivileged.”
His words spoke not just of admiration but of a deep resonance with the missionary spirit; one that embraces sacrifice, cross-cultural encounter, and unwavering advocacy for the marginalized.
Joy seemed to radiate from him. “I am so delighted today,” he said, visibly overwhelmed. “I am not really qualified to serve Him, but I am worthy since God has made me His servant. It’s a favor, and I don’t deserve it”, in this sense echoing the words of St. John Mary Vianney.
There was no trace of pride in his voice, only a sense of profound gratitude and humility. “Primarily,” he added, “I strive to be a happy priest because I have promised to be faithful in order to serve God’s people. I always put my faith in Him so that the one who called me can be with me all the time.”
Reflecting on his own journey and experiences, Fr. Bene shared a deeply personal truth: “I have encountered numerous missionaries. But the Savior, who is Jesus Christ himself, was the best missionary. He encountered every difficulty that missionaries face today as well. And above all, He was a teacher of the Word”. He paused for a moment and concluded simply: “I am just an instrument.”
In that one sentence, Fr. Bene summed up what it means to be a missionary: not to seek recognition or reward, but to be a vessel of God’s grace, formed in humility, and sent forth in faith.
* Fr. Paulino Madeje, IMC, Tanzania. Africa Continent communication coordinator.
