In a significant move to bridge tradition and formation, the Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists) joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) for the diaconate ordination of their members on February 14, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Nairobi. The decision, which moved the Assumptionists’ traditional June ordination date forward by four months, marks a return to a historical partnership initiated over two decades ago.
Restoring a Shared Tradition
In a recent interview, Fr. Louis Martin Rakotoarilala, AA, Superior of the Assumptionist community at Emmanuel House, Nairobi, explained that the joint ceremony is not a “new” development but a restoration.
“I was in the first group of Assumptionists from Madagascar who started studying here at Hekima (1999-2002),” Louis Martin shared. “At that time, we were ordained together with the Jesuits by the then Archbishop of Nairobi, Most Rev. Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki. Also, the first Assumptionist to study at Hekima, Fr. Paluku Meso Jean-Marie, AA, from DRC, who was present at the ordination on 14th February, was also ordained with the Jesuits.”
Fr. Louis Martin explained that the tradition had stopped for years due to changes in the formation system and to a previous Rector, who, being a former student of Tangaza University, felt less connected to the Hekima/Jesuit traditions. Fr. Martin intended to restore this link upon his return. He therefore made it a priority to reintegrate the Assumptionists into the wider Hekima community for these major liturgical milestones.
Strategic Benefits for Candidates
Beyond tradition, the move to February offers three practical and spiritual advantages for the newly ordained deacons. These Fr. Louis Martin, who is also a lecturer at Hekima University College, where he teaches Canon Law and Latin Language, listed as follows:
Academic Focus: By ordaining in February, the brothers avoid the “exam crunch” of April and May. June ordinations often clash with comprehensive exams in April and general exams in May. By ordaining in February, the brothers are already “at peace” and can focus on their studies without the looming pressure of ordination prep. “Last year, candidates had to wait until June despite being approved in April, leading to unnecessary stress during their final comprehensive exams.
Enhanced Mentorship: The February date allows the new deacons to remain in the community for several months as they exercise their new ministry. “It gives us the opportunity to guide them on liturgical specifics (e.g., how to serve at the altar, handling the Missal, the way they should serve, and the way they should turn the books on the altar,” Fr. Martin explained.
Logistical Ease: Coordinating a separate ceremony at the Assumptionist parish in Njiru during the academic year had proven difficult. Joining the Hekima-wide event streamlines the process for both the formators and the families.
A Smooth Approval Process
The shift required high-level coordination with the Assumptionist Generalate in Rome. Despite a brief delay as the Vice-Province awaited the appointment of new leadership in late 2024, the process for the 2025 candidates moved swiftly once finalized. Fr. Louis Martin explained that for the five newly ordained deacons, Charles Katemengi Paluku, AA, Euloge Djessaga Simlawo, AA, Kelvin Ouma Ong’anyo, AA, and Romain Esso-TinaSimtoro, AA, the application Process was completed by September 2025 and the official approval was received from the Superior General in Rome in November 2025.
Looking Ahead
While the decision ultimately rests with future superiors, Fr. Louis Martin expressed a strong desire to keep this February tradition alive. For the current class of deacons, the early ordination has provided a sense of peace and a structured environment to begin their transition into the priesthood.
By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications and International Office Department
