Fr Thomas Mapata-Ribimbi and Fr Moses Sithole ordained for Diocese of Polokwane

Ordination of Fr Thomas Mapata-Ribimbi and Fr Moses Kgwadi Sithole for the Diocese of Polokwane

Deacon Thomas Mapata-Ribimbi and Deacon Moses Kgwadi Sithole’s ordination as Catholic priests for the Polokwane diocese was the moment they had been waiting for.

A vibrant gathering of clergy, including Fr Ncedo Siwundla, the Rector of St John Vianney Seminary, where the newly ordained completed their studies, SACBC Associate Secretary General Fr Nhlanhla Mchunu, religious, families and the faithful from the diocese and sister dioceses attended the ordination Mass, which was held at Mater Dei Pastoral Centre.  The ordination ceremony was made more solemn by the Diocesan Choir leading the congregation in a heavenly rendition of the Litany of the Saints and other sacred hymns.

The Shepherd of the Diocese of Polokwane, Bishop Jeremiah Masela, presided over the ordination and delivered a humorous but profound homily.  He started by saying, ” Today is indeed a joyful day for our diocese as we celebrate and witness the ordination to the priesthood of our brothers Moses and Thomas. “We praise God for keeping them committed to His call up until this point.” Therefore, I would like to put emphasis on the fact that all priests are born in families, communities, parishes and congregations. Some have been in your catechesis classes; they have been called from amongst you to come and serve you,” Bishop Masela said.

“The significant role played by their parents in their upbringing shaped them to respond to this call when God called them from wherever they were. The support and guidance from parents and other community structures assisted them to hear God calling them to respond to the priesthood. They should never forget that they are part of the people of God”.

Reflecting on the Call of a Prophet

With these words, he opened his Homily rooted in the day’s readings (Jeremiah 1: 4-9, Psalm 40,  1 Cor 9: 16-23, Mark 1: 12-20). Reflecting on the call of the prophet Jeremiah, how God formed, knew, sanctified, and appointed the prophet from the womb. He indicated that God calls individuals for a purpose and equips them to fulfil His calling regardless of their shortcomings. God commissioned prophet Jeremiah and set him apart before birth, and when he protests of being young and unskilled in speech, God said, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

Bishop Masela explained that priests are consecrated within the womb of the Church, a sacred, nourishing, yet sometimes dark and isolating space; these two priests were also called before they were born, and they were assigned to this mission by their creator. He will strengthen them, protect them in the ministry that he has chosen for them, despite their age, weakness and challenges they may experience on their journey of priesthood.

Listen to the voice of God

Bishop Masela challenged the newly ordained priests to listen to God’s voice as he has transformed them to be the shepherds of His flock. He will put His words in their mouth to proclaim it to others.  “Our brothers Moses and Thomas responded to the priest’s call just like Prophet Isaiah, whose redemption was followed by his commissioning for a task that will occupy the rest of his life.  Isaiah heard God asking, “Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?”  Without hesitation, Isaiah exclaimed, “Here am I. Send me. They both responded to this call by saying, “Here we are, Lord send us”. They also made a commitment of a lifetime through this ordination.

Quoting the Letter of St Matthew where Jesus calls his first disciples, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, to follow him, promising, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” Moses and Thomas work from today has been transformed from catching fishes to bringing people to God, Jesus invited them to be his disciples so that they can take his mission to world.

In concluding his homily, Bishop Masela reminded the newly ordained that they should not regard themselves as better than the faithful; they were called from their respective parishes or communities to come and serve them, and they should remain committed to the cause. “You are priests for the people, and you are from the people of God. Every priest chosen from amongst people is appointed to act on behalf of the people of God.”

Rites of Ordination

The ordination liturgy came to life in all its splendid depth:

Calling of the Candidate: Deacon JJ Mpula presented Fr Ribimbi and Fr Sithole for ordination.

Laying on of Hands: Bishop Jeremiah Masela and all the priests in attendance laid hands on them in reverent silence, invoking the Holy Spirit to be upon them.

Anointing: Bishop Masela anointed their hands with Sacred Chrism, sealing their consecration.

Vesting: Their brother priests vested them in their first priestly garments. Fr Thomas was vested by F Boniface Mashiane, and Fr Phuti Moabelo vested  Fr Moses.

Presentation: Bishop Masela presented them to the audience, saying, “Here are your priests”

Fr Thomas has been assigned to serve at Our Lady of Fatima in Bochum, whilst Fr Moses continues to serve at Our Lady of Good Counsel, where he had been serving as a deacon.

First Holy Mass Celebrations

Fr Mapata- Ribimbi celebrated his first Mass at his hometown of Seshego, Regina Pacis Parish on Sunday, February 8. Fr Sithole’s first mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Mediatrix Parish, Dipetlwane (Our Lady Queen of Africa) in Belabela on Sunday, February 15, both giving gratitude to individuals and communities that contributed to their vocations.

“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”