By Grace Onwukwe
The Umudioka Catholic Community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State was filled with joy and thanksgiving on July 19, as one of its illustrious sons, Rev. Fr. Celestine Chukwuebuka Okeke, celebrated his First Solemn Mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Umudioka.
Rev. Fr. Okeke was ordained a priest of Onitsha Archdiocese on July 11 at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity by His Grace, Most Rev Dr Valerian M. Okeke.
The colourful celebration attracted priests, religious, family members, friends, parishioners, and well-wishers who gathered to thank God for the gift of the priesthood and to rejoice with the newly ordained priest.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Gordian Oguejiofor described the priesthood as a demanding yet fulfilling vocation that requires total commitment, sacrifice, humility, and unwavering faith in God. He commended Rev. Fr. Okeke for his perseverance throughout his years of formation and prayed for God’s continued grace, wisdom, and strength as he begins his ministry in the Lord’s vineyard.
He also expressed appreciation to all those who contributed in one way or another to the formation of the new priest, describing their support as an investment in the growth of the Church. He reminded the faithful that priests are servants of God and His people, urging them to uphold their priests through constant prayers, love, encouragement, and cooperation rather than criticism and antagonism.
In his remarks, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Umudioka, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ezeolisa, described the celebration as a special blessing for the parish and the entire Umudioka community. He congratulated the new priest and encouraged him to remain faithful to his priestly calling, preach the Gospel with courage, and be a worthy ambassador of Christ in every assignment entrusted to him.
Speaking with gratitude, Rev. Fr. Celestine Chukwuebuka Okeke thanked God for the gift of his vocation and for granting him the grace to attain the priesthood. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Bishop, his formators, priests, religious, family members, parishioners, friends, and benefactors whose prayers, encouragement, and sacrifices sustained him throughout his formation. He pledged to serve God and His people with humility, dedication, and love, while asking for continued prayers as he embarks on his priestly ministry.
Also speaking, the father of the new priest, Mr. Paul Okeke, expressed profound gratitude to God for making the day a reality. Overwhelmed with joy, he thanked everyone who supported his son’s journey to the priesthood and prayed that God would continue to bless and reward them abundantly.
The celebration featured thanksgiving, prayers, hymns of praise, and presentation of gifts.
Grace Onwukwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
