Today, Thursday, April 5th, marks a monumental moment in the Spiritan mission within the Nigeria Southwest Province, as it celebrates the highest number of men ordained into the Catholic priesthood. The ordination ceremony took place at SS Mulumba and David Catholic Church, Surulere, Lagos, and was a significant event for the Catholic community.
A total of eight priests and three deacons were ordained. The newly ordained priests are Rev. Fr. Kelvin Udumebraye CSSp, Rev. Fr. Felix Yayi CSSp, Rev. Fr. Malthan Nwalozie CSSp, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edafe CSSp, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Aghidi CSSp, Rev. Fr. David Okoihue CSSp, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okonedo CSSp, and Rev. Fr. Philip Okocha CSSp. The newly ordained deacons include Rev. Francis Okonkwo CSSp, Rev. Peter Osaluwe CSSp, and Rev. Peter Owolanwo CSSp.
The ordaining prelate was Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of Lagos, who presided over the sacred rite with reverence and grace. The ordination drew a large crowd, including family members, friends, and parishioners of the ordinands, making it a truly joyful and solemn occasion. Fr. Augustine Nwodo CSSp, the provincial superior, together with a host of Spiritan confreres, priests, religious and lay faithful bore witness to this harvest of Vocations.
Reflecting on the Catholic priesthood, this moment underscores the profound commitment these men have made to serve God and the Church through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The priesthood is not just a role but a lifelong vocation dedicated to the spiritual and pastoral care of the faithful. As these new priests and deacons begin their ministry, they are entrusted with the mission of bringing Christ to others, guided by the Spiritan charism of service and mission.
This ordination is not only a celebration of their dedication but a milestone for the Spiritan mission in the province and the world at large.
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