Niger Diocese ordains 33 priests, charges them to live holy, preach fearlessly

The Bishop on the Niger Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, has ordained 33 priests in one fell swoop with a charge to the newly ordained to always stand firm for the Gospel and preach fearlessly not minding situations.Preaching at the event held at the All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, Ven. Chigozie Anieto, told them that their calling was full time serious ministry that demanded the sacrifice of their entire life.He reminded the new priests of the vagaries that 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 they 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 discouragement, they were expected to consistently preach the Gospel without fear 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 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 be 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.

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