“The priest is a pilgrim, journeying to salvation with the People of God—not above them, but among them.” With these words, the Local Ordinary of Mariannhill Diocese, opened his homily during the Ordination Mass of nine priests and four deacons on Saturday, 12 July 2025, at the Marian Shrine in Kevelaer.

Rooted in the day’s readings (Jer 1:4-9; Ps 116; Heb 5:1-10; Mt 20:25-28), Bishop Niel Augustine Frank delivered a reflection on the identity and mission of ordained ministry in a synodal Church.

Quoting the Letter to the Hebrews, the member of the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary (OMI) said, “Every high priest chosen from among people is appointed to act on behalf of people in relation to God.”

Bishop Frank insisted that the ordained must never see themselves as separate from the faithful, but as fellow travellers and servants.

“Any notion of clericalism forgets this fundamental teaching,” he warned. Instead, priests and deacons must model their lives on Jesus, “who came not to be served but to serve.” This spirit of humble service, he noted, is not optional, it is essential to the mission of the Church today.

Addressing the newly ordained, including three religious (two CMMs and one TOR), Bishop Frank described the priesthood as deeply tied to synodality. He urged them to cultivate the necessary skills for collaborative ministry: listening, discernment, consultation, and shared decision-making.

“You must learn the theology and ecclesiology of synodality,” he said. “You are key agents in animating the Church’s mission, by promoting the participation of all the faithful and walking with them in communion.”

Reflecting on the call of the prophet Jeremiah, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth,” he challenged the ordinands to allow the Word to transform their own lives first, before proclaiming it to others.

“The Word spoken through your mouth must bring life,” he said. “But first, it must form you, keeping you chaste, obedient, and humble.” He urged the ordinands to spend time each day in silent prayer with the Scriptures and let the Word shape their character in the likeness of Christ.

Bishop Frank addressed the Church’s discipline of celibacy, especially for those being ordained deacons. “There has been much violation of this discipline… much scandal,” he said. “Do not be the cause of scandal. Do not give me work I don’t want to do!”

He called celibacy a mark of total dedication to God, reminding the new clergy that their hearts, minds, and bodies must be wholly reserved for divine service. This commitment was made public during the rite of ordination when the candidates for the diaconate stepped forward to profess their vow of celibacy.

To the future priests, Bishop Frank offered a challenge grounded in obedience: “Celebrate the Eucharist every day. Even on your day off. Obedience is difficult if we have our own agenda. Be obedient to Christ, to the Church, and to your bishop—for the salvation of the people.”

In concluding his homily, Bishop Frank urged the newly ordained to remain committed to a lifestyle of humility, prayer, and shared mission. “You are not priests for yourselves,” he reminded them. “You are priests for the people, and from the people. Learn the style of synodality. Experience the power of the Word in your own life. Keep your heart undivided in the service of God and God’s people.”

The July 12 ordination also saw the presence of Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM of Kokstad Diocese and Mariannhill Diocese Bishop Emirutus Pius Mlungisi Dlungwane.