A truly global Church!

Joseph Shih SAC from Taiwan and Gabriel Yotamu SAC from Malawi made their solemn vows on 12 October. Their families had travelled to Vallendar for the occasion, and many Pallottines from Asia, Africa and Europe were also present.

It was a solemn moment in the chapel of the Vincent Pallotti University: with songs from all over the world and in a moving, beautiful and colourful Eucharistic celebration, two Pallottine Fathers made their perpetual vows in Vallendar. One day later, another confrere was ordained a deacon. In addition, four confreres renewed their vows. For the Rector of the Formation Community of the Vincenz Pallotti University, Fr. Norbert Possmann SAC, it was a “pure living world Church”.

Joseph Shih, SAC, from Taiwan and Gabriel Yotamu, SAC, from Malawi, made the solemn promise on 12 October. Their families had travelled to Vallendar and many Pallottines from Asia, Africa and Europe celebrated with them. The choir of the Pallottine Church sang under the direction of Alexander Diensberg SAC and Jörg Gattwinkel SAC played the organ.

Jump into each day, God is with you, God gives you what you need for this day. This was the theme of the homily given by the Provincial Superior, Fr Markus Hau SAC. During the evening vespers, four brothers renewed their consecration to God: Athanasius, Celestine and Patrick from Nigeria and Blessing from Malawi.

Liturgy in English, German and Latin

On Sunday 13 October, Monsignor Jörg Michael Peters, Auxiliary Bishop of Trier, came to ordain Frater Gabriel Yotamu to the diaconate in the University Church. The Vallendar Church Choir and the Pallottine Fathers of the community, under the direction of Fr Celestine SAC, provided the music, ably accompanied by Johann Schmelzer on the organ. The liturgy was celebrated in English, German, Latin and all the languages of the assembled faithful; Bishop Jörg Michael preached in English and German: ‘Take the plunge! Trust in Jesus!

Deacon Dirk Mettler welcomed the new deacon Gabriel to his new ministry. The reception that followed was filled with congratulations, dancing and singing. With drums and cymbals, dancing and singing, the procession made its way to the banquet where the whole church gathered around one table.

Father Norbert Possmann SAC, Rector of the Formation Community and Rector of the Pallottine Fathers at the Vincent Pallotti University, summed up the Pallottine celebration as follows: That was pure, living world church! It does us good!

Article & pictures: John Ndidi Nwaocha SAC, Spiritual Director