'We Embrace Him As Our Own'

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Bishop Charles C. Thompson ordained diocesan seminarian Ambrose Wanyonyi as a deacon during a 10 a.m. Mass at Annunciation Parish’s Christ the King Church, in Evansville, on Dec. 5. A native of Kenya, Wanyonyi is a fourth year theology student at St. Meinrad Seminary.

Bishop Thompson will ordain him and Deacon Tyler Tenbarge to the priesthood in June 2016.

“Our brother Ambrose comes among us as one sent to serve rather than be served,” Bishop Thompson told hundreds of people from across the diocese who filled Christ the King Church for the Ordination Mass. “In turn, we embrace him as our own.”

Annunciation Pastor Father Alex Zenthoefer, who also serves as diocesan director of vocations, had the Mass videotaped for the new deacon’s family in Africa. None of his family members were able to attend the Ordination Mass.

Father Denis Robinson, President and Rector of St. Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary, joined more than two dozen priests of the Diocese of Evansville and priests from St. Meinrad in concelebrating the Mass. More than a dozen deacons from across the diocese attended, along with members of Glenmary Missions. Deacon Wanyonyi came to the diocese through the Glenmarys. Diocesan seminarians also attended and participated.

“Our brother Ambrose has dared to leave the familiarity of family, friends, culture and land, journeying to Southwest Indiana as a missionary disciple,” Bishop Thompson said. “He exudes that joyful witness of the gospel by his engaging smile, gentle nature and respectful manner.”

Annunciation Parish hosted a festive reception for the new deacon in the school cafeteria immediately following the Ordination Mass.