The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese,Most Rev,Lucius Ugorji, has ordained thirteen new priests into the Catholic Church, urging them to serve God diligently and also respect their priesthood call.
The newly ordained Priests in a group photograph with the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia
Speaking at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, venue for the ordination, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev Lucius Ugorji, congratulated the newly ordained priests, stating that before they were born,God had already knew that they would become priests in the Catholic Church.
The Bishop said that just as God called Jeremiah, He has also called them as instruments for His works.
Procession
“Priesthood is a vocation and God is the source of all vocations.Priesthood is a sign of God’s continuous presence among men and God’s love for his people.
” Go into the world and preach the gospel,be a vessel of God’s works”,the Bishop said.
Bishop Ugorji further enjoined the priests to be a source of consolation to the society especially at this season,where Nigeria is faced with insecurity and economy downturn.
” You are sent to be a teacher about God and dignity of human person.
Fr Mark Godfrey
“You are sent at a time Nigeria is faced with bad economy, where insecurity of lives have rendered many homeless and traumatized, therefore,you must imitate Christ who is gentle in heart.
“The success of priesthood lies in humility”,he added.
In an interview with the newly ordained Priests, Rev Fr Joachim Onuoha,Rev Fr Chimaobi Mbawuike, Rev Fr Mark Chiemezie Godfrey and Rev Fr Benedict Izuchukwu, who happens to be the first Reverend Father from his St Pascal Parish Orlu in Imo state,after 37 years, thanked God for seeing them through the seminary, stating that many started with them but couldn’t finish successfully.
They promised to carry out their call with all sense of diligence and humility, praying God to grant them the grace to carry the gospel to the end of the earth.
According to some of the attendees that spoke with the press, Chief Jude Nwaoha,Chief Pascal Uzoukwu, Chief Kingsley Ihedioha and Mrs Patience Agomoh, all prayed God to help them finish well in their priestly journey.
Chief Jude Nwaoha
According to them, the newly ordained priests among other things, should maintain focus and carry out the assignment they have been called upon diligently.
“Make the Bible your companion, do what is right and teach the flock under you.Do not allow any form of distraction to take you away from your call”, they added
