Catholic priests in Ekwulobia Diocese have increased in number with the ordination of six new priests by the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke.
The ordination mass took place at St Joseph Cathedral, Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area.
Delivering a homily at the pontifical high mass, Cardinal Okpalaeke thanked God for raising pastors that will spread his gospel and win souls for Christ.
Cardinal Okpalaeke who said that the event was the fifth ordination of the Diocese, urged the newly ordained priests to remember their canonical oaths, and always know that they are Christ’ representative on earth and so carry themselves as such, advising the laity to always pray and support them to succeed in their chosen vocation.
During the mass, individuals and families that sponsored the priests through their education were issued letters of appreciation even as the Cardinal called on more people to help in training of priests and the religious so as to expand chances of promoting peace in the society.
Some of the newly ordained priests, Reverend father Bartholomew Ekene Ogbonnaya, Reverend father Cornelius Demenenge Jimim and Reverend father Benstan Chidozie Uyanwa, thanked God for choosing them and making the day a reality in their lives and that of their families, and promised to keep to their vows , respect the church authorities and win more souls for God.
In an interview, a philanthropist from Umuchukwu whose nephew was among the ordained, Professor Godwin Mmaduka said that apart from his nephew, Reverend father Ogbonnaya who is also a native of Umuchukwu, he has trained many priests through ordination and various fields, adding that he will continue to sponsor men of God irrespective of denomination so that they will in turn use their training to change the society.
A stakeholder in Ekwulobia Diocese, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo said that since it is the season of ordination in all the Catholic Dioceses in Anambra, he has always availed himself the opportunity to receive fresh anointing from the brand new priests, acknowledging that priests contribute a lot to the growth of the society.
The mother of one of the priests, Mrs. Virginia Ogbonnaya , urged mothers to always train their children to be useful to themselves, their families, the church and the society at large, praying God to sustain the anointing of the priests for them to be for signs and wonders.
Correspondent Ngozi Obileri reports that all the priests later entertained their guests where they cut their ordination cakes.
Over sixty priests and many faithful attended the ordination mass.
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