On Saturday April 2, Rev Ronald Kiban was ordained priest in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Rosary, Willemstad , Curaçao , Netherlands Antilles . Rev Ronald Kiban completed his philosophical/theological studies at the Regional Seminary of St John Vianney in Trinidad in May 2003.

In April 2004, he was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Secco. As deacon Fr Kiban assisted in the work of the parish through his preaching, administering the Sacrament of Baptism, presiding at Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and in many other ways not always seen by the public.

The ordination rite took place during the celebration of the Mass, which began with the procession to the Cathedral by the altar servers, the deacon, the ordinand, the concelebrating priests and the ordaining prelate Mgr Luis Secco.

Fr Ronald's mother and sister joined him in the procession. The Mass was well attended by the local faith community, the parish community where Fr Ronald assisted as deacon and dignitaries from the government.

Fr Ronald Kiban, Bishop Luis Secco and Msgr Michael de Verteuil at the Eucharistic Prayer

Following the proclamation of the Gospel, Fr Ronald came and stood before the bishop and was presented to him by the Rector of Regional Seminary Msgr Michael de Verteuil, who testified that Fr Ronald had been found worthy for ordination.

The bishop then gave his homily and spoke about the ministry of the priest being like that of a shepherd, a shepherd who cares for his flock, who loves his people and who is the visible sign that all life flows from Christ to his body, the Church.

Fr Ronald then prostrated himself before the Lord in an act of complete submission to the will of God who had called him to this way of life. At the same time the bishop and all gathered knelt before the Lord while the cantor led the Litany of the Saints during which the saints were called on to pray for Fr Ronald.

At the end of the Litany the central act of the Rite of Ordination took place. The bishop, as ordaining prelate, came forward and, in silence, laid his hands upon Fr Ronald's head to invoke upon him the Holy Spirit in an act which goes right back to the apostles. Then, still in silence, all the priests present came forward one by one and laid their hands upon Fr Ronald's head.

The Prayer of Consecration then followed. The bishop, surrounded by his fellow priests, prayed the solemn prayer over the newly ordained. When this was completed, Fr Ronald removed his deacon's stole and with help of his mother and Fr Garth Eversley, was vested with stole and chasuble.

He then knelt before the bishop who anointed his hands with the Oil of Chrism. The paten and chalice, containing the bread and wine for use in the Mass, were presented to him by the bishop with the words – “Accept from the people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord's cross.”

The bishop then gave Father Ronald the Kiss of Peace as a sign of welcome to the presbyterate and all the priests did likewise. While this was taking place the choir sang the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus – Come Holy Spirit.

The Mass then continued in the usual way but with Fr Ronald taking his place alongside his fellow priests in offering up the Lord's sacrifice. After the Mass, Fr Ronald gave his first blessing to those who had joined him on this special day.

Later, the newly ordained, his family, friends and members of the clergy enjoyed a meal to celebrate the occasion.

Fr Ronald continues to work in the parish where he served as a deacon though in a different way as one who also celebrates the Eucharist and who brings healing to God's people through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We wish him a long and fruitful ministry in the Lord's vineyard.