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Three Priests Ordained in the SVD GER Province
Sebastian Quillmann, SVD, and Emmanuel Faakang, SVD
“Giao ước,” one of the moving songs performed by the Vietnamese choir at the beginning of the service, celebrated the priestly vocation as a lifelong covenant. In his homily, Archbishop Budi Kleden reflected on the verse the three ordinands chose: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). Their choice showed that their ministry was not about themselves, personal distinction or status, but about pointing to Christ. “It is not the priest who redeems the world, nor the congregation, nor even the Church itself. Salvation belongs to Christ. The mission is not ours; it is God’s mission.”
“Put out into the deep water”
“Every human life, including that of a missionary and priest, is a life at sea. We are called not to stand securely on firm ground, but to trust the voice that says: ‘put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Peter and his companions show what happens when this voice is heard after a night of empty nets,” said Paulus Budi Kleden.
“You will not always be sought out by crowds as Jesus is in today’s Gospel (Luke 5:1–11). But remember Pope Francis’ words: ‘Jesus invites us, not to be […] deceived by the superficiality of counting. […] What matters is the depth of our faith.’”
“Faith knows no boundaries”
Fr. Peter Claver Kwame Narh, the Provincial Superior of the SVD German Province gave a word before the final blessing. He said: “Today we can see just how international we are as missionaries of the SVD. Three young men from Ghana, Indonesia and Vietnam have heard God’s call, completed part of their studies here and have been ordained as priests in Germany.” He added: “Family and friends travelled to Sankt Augustin, and many joined online. This is a visible sign of the universal Church and showed that faith knows no boundaries.”
“You will be a blessing”
The offertory procession was accompanied by altar servers from Sankt Augustin, a Ghanaian dance group and melodious Ghanaian choral music titled “Yεde y’akyεdeε Aba” (We have brought our gifts) beautifully rendered by the Ghanaian Choir. The offertory gifts were presented by people from different countries including Indonesia, Kenya, Ghana, and Vietnam.
The Indonesian Choir later performed the song “Jadilah Kamu Berkat” (“You will be a blessing,” Gen. 12:2). The melody originates from the lullaby “Sombo Momo” from Flores, which Yohanes’ late father used to sing to his children.
In his vote of thanks, the newly ordained Fr. Anthony Tran Khac Phuc quoted Saint Joseph Freinademetz: “The only language that all people understand is love. We wish to pass on this love in our ministry.” After the mass there was an agape gathering and we had a lot to share with our guests. It was a memorable occasion.
