Reverend Christiaans ordained as Keetmanshoop bishop

THE Roman Catholic church diocese of Keetmanshoop has a new shepherd to lead its flock.

Reverend Willem Christiaans was ordained on Saturday as the diocese’s new bishop following his appointment in February this year.

Christiaans served as diocesan administrator and national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Namibia until his appointment.

Born on 12 February 1961 at farm Gabis in the Karasburg district, Christiaans took his first vows as oblate of St Francis de Sales on 23 January 1983, and those perpetual on 23 January 1988.

He succeeds bishop emeritus Phillip Pollitzer, who retired on 21 July last year.

Hundreds of worshippers, dozens of bishops and clerics attended the ceremony at the Keetmanshoop showgrounds, including the apostolic nuncio to Namibia, archbishop Peter Wells. Archbishop Protase Rugambwa, secretary of the Congregation for Evangelisation and consecrator, in his homily for the ordination reminded the new bishop that the effectiveness and fruitfulness of his ministry will always depend on his relationship with God, the One whom he represents.

“So, at every moment of your life, be in contact with the Chief Shepherd. Keep your eyes on the example of the one whom you embody, and model your whole life and stewardship accordingly. Be always conscious of the fact that your life and ministry is united completely to the mystery of Christ, and that this gives sense to your mission,” he advised.

Rugambwa reminded Christiaans that in exercising his office of leader of God’s household, he should first stand in the midst of his people as one who serves, saying the title of bishop is not one of honour but of function, and therefore a bishop should strive to serve rather than rule.

“Such is the counsel of the master: the greater should behave as if he were the least, and the leader as if he were the one who serves. In a special way, you should be close to those who suffer, little ones, children, the outcast and the poor, bringing the Good Shepherd’s love and compassion to all,” he added.

Deputy bishop Paul Hatani Kisting of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) in his congratulatory message said the region Christiaans would be serving consists of the poorest of the poor, marginalised and downtrodden people, while unemployment is at a peak.

Despite this, he added, the voice of the church is muted, and thus urged mainstream churches to take stock in fulfilling the gospel mission.

He reminded Christiaans that the office he is taking up might be lonely at times, advising him not to delegate his office, but instead to take up the cross to follow Jesus.

On his part, Christiaans thanked the Lord for having led him in “unexpected ways”, and bestowing love and mercy upon him for the 57 years of his life.

He also thanked his mother, who witnessed his ordination, for having raised him in the path of God.

Christiaans told the diocese of Keetmanshoop that in God’s faith and prayer, they can do a lot together.

“I look forward to walking with you, and proclaim Christ with you,” he said.

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