Regis Jesuit Community, Toronto Canada

The Regis Jesuit Community of Toronto was filled with profound joy and gratitude on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as six Jesuits were ordained to the Order of Deacons at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The celebration marked a significant moment not only for the ordinands themselves but also for the global Society of Jesus, whose members, friends, and collaborators gathered from near and far to witness this milestone of grace. Among those ordained were two members of the Eastern Africa Province (AOR) — Bernard Adika, SJ and Vincent Mpoza, SJ — whose presence brought particular joy to the East African Jesuit family and the vibrant African Catholic communities in Toronto. They were joined by Jacky Joseph, SJ of the Canada–Haiti Province, Gerald Myrthong, SJ and Darimio Susngi, SJ of the Kohima Province, and Timothy Perron, SJ of the USA Midwest Province. Each of these men has journeyed through years of formation, discernment, and pastoral engagement, and their ordination stands as a testament to God’s enduring call to service within the Church.

The liturgy was presided over by His Excellency, The Most Rev. John Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, who offered a moving homily that reminded the new deacons of the sacred responsibility entrusted to them. He emphasized that the diaconate is fundamentally a ministry of service, a call to embody Christ the Servant through humility, compassion, and fidelity to the Gospel. His words resonated deeply with the congregation, inviting all present to reflect on the beauty of a vocation rooted in self‑giving love. The bishop’s exhortation served as both encouragement and challenge, urging the new deacons to remain steadfast in their commitment to the People of God, especially the poor, the marginalized, and those longing for hope.

The celebration itself was joyful, colorful, and profoundly communal, enriched by the presence of priests, families, friends, and parishioners from across the world. The Eastern Africa and Swahili communities in Toronto played a particularly memorable role, offering vibrant cultural expressions through song, dance, and rhythmic praise that filled the church with life and warmth. Their participation beautifully showcased the universality of the Church and the rich diversity of the Jesuit body. The day was further graced by the presence of Deacon Victor Mureithi, who traveled from the Jesuit School of Theology in California to represent the province and share in the joy of his brothers. His presence was a reminder of the deep bonds of fraternity that unite Jesuits across continents and missions. As the liturgy concluded, the sense of gratitude was palpable, gratitude for vocation, for community, and for the grace that continues to animate the Society of Jesus in its mission.

Following the ordination, each of the new deacons had the opportunity to preach and serve in their respective apostolates, bringing their newly received ministry directly into the life of the Church. Dn Bernard Adika, SJ, joyfully served at Our Lady of Lourdes and later served St. Roch Church with the Swahili Community, where parishioners warmly welcomed him. Dn Vincent Mpoza, SJ, exercised his ministry at St. Louis de France, the Deaf Community, and the Ugandan Catholic Community, where his presence was met with heartfelt enthusiasm. The East African faithful, in particular, expressed immense joy and pride in seeing their sons ordained and serving at the altar. Their celebrations, filled with music, ululations, and communal thanksgiving, reflected the deep spiritual and cultural bonds that unite them. As the day drew to a close, the entire community gave thanks to God for the gift of these vocations and for the grace of witnessing such a moment of hope, service, and renewal within the Church.