Enugu Diocese Ordains Eight, Charges Them on Prayer, Humility

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has ordained eight seminarians as deacons during a solemn Diaconate Ordination Mass held at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Udi.

The ordination was performed by the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese and Apostolic Administrator of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest A. Obodo, before a large congregation of priests, religious and lay faithful.

The newly ordained deacons are Agbo Michael Onyebuchi, Anike Damian Ikechukwu, Chika Pascal Ozioma, Njoku Nicholas Chiadiokaobi, Amalu Michael Chukwuka, Odimma John Amobi, Oryi Anthony Nkemdilim and Udeh Franklin Nkemjika.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Chidalu Duru urged the ordinands to remain steadfast in prayer, describing the Divine Office as both an obligation and privilege of ordained ministry.

“Prayer remains an obligation for every ordained minister. A priest must always pray and never lose heart,” he said, citing Luke 18:1.

The cleric also stressed the importance of obedience, humility and fidelity to Church authority, reminding the new deacons that their ministry is inseparably linked to the Bishop and the presbyterate.

Fr. Duru cautioned against the temptation of seeking popularity, noting that while the affection and admiration of the faithful are signs of their faith, ministers must never lose sight of their primary calling.

“Do not struggle to become merely men of the people; strive first to become men of God. The faithful belong to God, and we are only stewards who will one day render an account of our service,” he said.

He further warned against unhealthy attachments and urged the ordinands to focus on leading people to Christ through faithful service and exemplary conduct.

Addressing priests and members of the congregation, Fr. Duru called for stronger mentorship of younger clergy and urged the faithful to continue supporting priests and deacons through prayer and encouragement.

During the ordination rite, the candidates publicly made promises of obedience to the Bishop and the Church before prostrating themselves as the Litany of the Saints was chanted. Bishop Obodo subsequently laid hands on each candidate and offered the Prayer of Ordination, formally admitting them into the order of deacons.

The ceremony concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a vote of thanks delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Ambrose Agu, and announcements by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie. A reception and group photograph session followed to mark the occasion.

The ordination marked another significant milestone in the Diocese's mission of preparing ministers for service to the Church and society.

Tags:

#EnuguDiocese #DiaconateOrdination #CatholicChurch#OrdainedDeacons#EnuguNews#FaithAndService