Nineteen New Deacons in Burkina Faso Urged to be “witnesses”, not “masters of words”

He cautioned against hypocrisy, dishonesty, and any form of self-promotion, urging the deacons to be men of conscience and credibility.

Bishop Sanon also reminded those he was about to ordain that their mission is fundamentally one of service to the Church, calling them to undivided dedication and fidelity to their calling. 

He encouraged the Deacons-elect to place their trust in God rather than in human recognition or material security.

Bishop Sanon further reflected on the sovereignty of God and the place of humanity within creation, noting that the world is not the product of chance but of divine love and purpose. 

He urged respect for creation and warned against ecological irresponsibility, linking environmental crises to humanity’s failure to “let God be God” in the world.

The Catholic Church leader said that when humanity forgets its dependence on God, it risks damaging both creation and itself, calling instead for humility, gratitude, and recognition of human limitations within the wider order of life.

The Local Ordinary of Nouna encouraged the Deacons-elect to see their ministry as part of God’s plan of salvation, rooted in service to the poor, the wounded, and those in need of hope and healing.

He explained the meaning of the Diaconate, describing it as the first step in the sacrament of Holy Orders. “It is a sacrament that is given to young people who want to consecrate themselves entirely to the Lord,” he said.

Further clarifying the role of a Deacon, Bishop Sanon said, “The Deacon is the one who is at the altar with the priest to help him celebrate the Eucharist.” 

He traced the origins of the ministry to the early Church, recalling how the first Deacons were appointed to ensure charitable service while the apostles continued preaching the Gospel.