“CHOOSE GOD, ALL THE TIME”: ARCHBISHOP BANDA’S STIRRING CALL TO THE NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS
Archbishop Alick Banda has urged the newly ordained priests to embrace a life of total surrender to Christ in a homily rich with challenge, consolation, and conviction.
“We come rejoicing to celebrate the gift that God has given us,” the Archbishop began, framing the priesthood as a sign of God’s enduring love for His people.
The ordination took place on the memorial of St. John Vianney, the humble parish priest of Ars, whom Dr. Banda described as not impressive by worldly standards but a man who lived completely for God.
In a deeply pastoral tone, the Archbishop addressed the ordinands directly, “This life you are embracing is not simply of service, but of surrender.”
He reminded them that priesthood is no middle ground between heaven and earth but a radical choice for Christ, often at the cost of comfort, approval, or worldly recognition.
Echoing St. John Vianney, Banda warned, “You cannot please both God and the world at the same time.”
He painted a portrait of priesthood that is honest and raw, a calling that demands presence in people’s most joyful and painful moments birth, death, confession, conversion.
Quoting Scripture and invoking Moses’ fatigue, Jesus’ compassion, and Vianney’s perseverance, Archbishop Banda called on the newly ordained not to be mirrors of the world, but windows to heaven.
“Choose God, and all the time. When the burden is heavy, remember God was with Moses. He was with Jesus. He was with Vianney. And He will be with you all the way.”
