Diocese On The Niger Ordained 33 Priests, Charges Them To Stand Firm For The Gospel

By Julie Sylvia Onitsha

Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State, today, Sunday June 22, unprecedentedly ordained 33 ministers in a swoop, charging them to always stand firm for the Gospel and preach fearlessly not minding situations.

The newly ordained priest were also told by the Senior priest in the diocese, Ven Chigozie Anieto in his sermon during the ordination at All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, that their calling was a full serious ministry that demanded the sacrifice of their entire life, reminding them the vagaries which he said were inherent in the ministry.

According to him, “They are likely to encounter in their ministry, which he said commenced at the moment of ordination, seemingly discouraging experiences such as loneliness, despair and unbecoming attitude of those trusted.

Ven Anieto who also doubled as the retreatant to the candidates however encouraged them not to be dismayed by such experiences, adding that with prayers and firm focus on Christ they would be triumphant.

He said that irrespective of any apparent apprehending discouragement, they were expected to consistently preach the Gospel without fears at all times.

“You must proclaim the word fearlessly and must not massage their ego. You are not called to fame but for sacrifice”, Ven Anieto bluntly told the new ministers.

The Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, who presided the ceremony had while taking the candidates through the rites of the ordination subjected them to various oaths of allegiance during which time they pledged to be loyal not only to Christ, the Church and the bishop but also to lead holy and undefiled lives.

He urged them to be faithful and dispenser of the Word of God and of the Holy Sacrament as well as do their prophetic and priestly work according to the order of Christ.

Highpoints of the ordination were the solemn presentation of the Holy Bible and the chalice to each of the new priests.