The Metropolition Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke (4th left), Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun (3rd left) with the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Most Rev. Dennis Isizoh and the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Dr. Chris Ngige with the newly ordained priests.
By Sunny A. Ijomah
Another milestone was recorded in Archdiocese of Onitsha as the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke ordains eighteen new Priests while His Eminence, Francis Cardinals Arinze ordains one.
The pontifical high mass marking the ceremony held at Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha was officiated by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev Valerian Okeke.
The Priestly ordination which comes in two groups will take place on Saturday, 14th July, 2018 while the second group would be ordained on 21st July, 2018.
It is expected that aside from the 18 candidates, His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze will ordain a candidate on his arrival from the Vatican, bringing the total to 19.
Our correspondent reports that the ordination ceremony which had two Priests from Orlu Catholic Diocese of Imo and Nduka Catholic Diocese of Enugu States drew a mammoth crowd of faithful from within and outside the Archdiocese.
In a homily ,Archbishop Okeke who charged the newly ordained Priests to remain friends of Jesus, observed that God has chosen and elevated them in a sacramental order, with authority, set them apart with gift of Holy Spirit to be conformed in the image of Christ.
He reminded them that Christ has taken possession of their life’s, hence they need to use their position to perpetuate his ministry and conquer the world by doing more exploits for the Kingdom.
The Cleric enjoyed them to sacrifice for the salvation of humanity, unite more closely with Christ, as well as the constituency of their communities, resisting worldly acquisition, and in obedience, reflect the life and glory of Christ in character and knowledge.
Archbishop Okeke cautioned the benefactors of the new priests not to constitute an obstacle to the divine call, rather support and encourage them through fervent prayers.
Welcoming the new Priest, Rev. Fr. Patrick Omuta, while urging them to embrace the exhortation of the Archbishop, maintained that priests have identity and culture, stressing the need for them to live up to expectations.
Speaking to newsmen, one of the newly ordained Priests , Rev. Fr. John Paul Onuselogu of Nnokwa community, among others said the ordination is a fulfillment of his life aspirations and expressed gratitude to God for choosing him as a vessel for the propagation of the kingdom .
The parents of the celebrant, Mr. Eugene Onuselogu and Mrs Bene Ngozi, who recalled the fourteen years journey to priesthood, appreciated God for finding their son Worthy.
Other members of the community including Sir. Emeka Nzomiwu, and Chief Charles Mbakaigwe encouraged their son to put on the gospel armour, prayed for wisdom and grace upon his ministry.
Present were the Bishop of Uromi Catholic Diocese and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Dr Chris Ngige.
Highpoint was Layine of hands and prayer of ordination, anointing of hands and handing over of bread and wine as well as laying prostrate before the congregation.
