By Admin
The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia, on Saturday ordained 14 deacons into the Sacred Priesthood, the highest number of priests ever ordained at a single ceremony since the Diocese was established.
The historic ordination Mass, held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Auchi, drew hundreds of priests, religious, parishioners, family members, friends, and well-wishers from across Nigeria in a celebration described as a milestone in the growth of the Diocese.
The ceremony marked a significant moment for the local Church, with Church leaders and faithful viewing the record-breaking ordination as evidence of the Diocese’s sustained commitment to nurturing priestly vocations and strengthening its evangelisation mission.
In his homily, Bishop Dunia reminded the newly ordained priests of the sacred responsibilities that accompany the priesthood, urging them to remain faithful servants of Christ and dedicated ministers of the Gospel.
He called on the priests to lead lives of humility, holiness, charity, and unwavering commitment to the teachings of the Church, stressing that authentic priestly ministry is rooted in prayer, selfless service, and fidelity to Christ.
The Bishop further encouraged them to make fruitful use of the grace received through the Sacrament of Holy Orders by shepherding God’s people with compassion, courage, and integrity in a world in need of hope and spiritual renewal.
The newly ordained priests are Rev. Frs. Christian Nwabueze David Ozioko, Matthew Aimiennoghena Osigbemehe, Moses Ubagbo Onolameh, Constantine Gabriel Erhaefo Okpaloafe, Cornelius Chinedu Okeke, Michael Egiethamhe Kadiri, Innocent Amhanesi Idenobe, Pius Elosikhe Eshiesimua, Anthony Chibueze Efobi, Michael Eshioke Ayo, Paschal Oshiopkephai Asekhamhe, Samuel Oti Ahmed-Egbagbe, Jude Uchechukwu Ofoegbu, and Jude Ikemeshimi Omoba.
Observers described the ordination as a defining moment in the history of the Diocese of Auchi, noting that the unprecedented number of new priests reflects the steady growth of vocations within the Diocese and its expanding role in providing pastoral leadership for the Catholic Church in Nigeria and beyond.
The ordination concluded with thanksgiving and celebrations by the newly ordained priests, their families, and members of the Catholic faithful, who hailed the occasion as a sign of hope and God’s continued faithfulness to the Diocese.