By Doris Onyekachi
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, on July 11, ordained 11 priests during a solemn Mass at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.
The ordination coincided with the Archbishop’s 45th anniversary as a priest and was concelebrated with the Bishop of the Diocese of Brookline, USA, Most Rev. Dr. Robert, alongside other priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke described the priesthood as a sacred calling, noting that a priest serves as a bridge and mediator between God and humanity, stressing that unwavering faith in God and a life of prayer are essential for overcoming the challenges of priestly ministry.
He urged the newly ordained priests to nurture the gift of holiness received at baptism, live by the gospel they preach, and remain faithful representatives of Christ in both word and action.
The archbishop reminded them of the importance of remaining committed to their canonical vows of obedience, poverty and chastity throughout their priestly ministry.
In separate remarks, the visiting Bishop from the United States, Most Rev. Dr. Robert, and the Vice Chancellor of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Prudentius Aroh, encouraged the new priests to remain steadfast in their vocation, place their trust in God who called them, and resist the temptation of materialism.
The ordination marked a significant milestone for the Onitsha Archdiocese, as the church welcomed 11 new priests into active pastoral ministry while celebrating Archbishop Okeke’s 45 years of dedicated priestly service.
Doris Onyekachi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
