Serving God's Children
Will you Join us?
Search
Seven New Missionaries ordained for the Missions
-
October 16, 2020It was another moment of great joy for families, friends, benefactors MSPs and AMPs as we witnessed the priestly ordination of seven of our members. The 36th priestly ordination of the Missionary Society of St. Paul took place on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at the MSP seminary in Nigeria.
The seven deacons ordained priests were Rev. Kevin Onyebuchi Chukwu, MSP, Rev. Abraham Ojima-Ojo Augustine, MSP, Rev. Henry Iruka Emeziem, MSP, Rev. Benjamin Chinedu Nwugo, MSP, Rev. Kenneth Chijioke Odoh, MSP, Rev. Christopher Magnus Umoh, MSP and Rev. Augustine Ushie Akpo, MSP.
The ordination this year was unique in several ways. It was the first priestly ordination ceremony of both the current MSP administration, and the Ordinary, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, of Abuja Archdiocese, who was also the ordaining prelate. It was also the first MSP ordination done in the month of September when the seminary was not in session, with a total attendance of less than 200 as a result of the effects of effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and a strict adherence to the consequent regulations.
In his beautifully worded 12-minute homily, Most Rev. Kaigama thanked the Superior General for inviting him to perform his “first solemn ceremony in my canonical capacity as the new Ordinary of the Society” and assured him of his “prayers and collaboration.” He reminded the ordinands that “as you offer your life for missionary service, remember that you are called to the priesthood at a challenging time in the life of the Church and the world.” He further stated that while “storms and frightening waves will always be present” they should hold unto the assurance of the Lord that “I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). He further exhorted: “My dear new priests, in fulfilling the task assigned to you by God, please find time for silence to contemplate Jesus especially in the Blessed Sacrament. Make the Lord God alone your rock and refuge…”
Concelebrating the ordination Mass with Archbishop Kaigama were John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja and immediate past Ordinary of the MSP; Most Rev. Anselm Umoren, MSP, Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja; the Superior General and Councilors, and about 60 other priests.
Two of the newly ordained priests were assigned to work in the Archdioceses of Abuja, two in the Archdiocese of Lagos, and one each in the Archdiocese of Kaduna, Archdiocese of Onitsha and the Diocese of Abeokuta.
May the Lord who has added these laborers to his vineyard continue to bless their ministry and the work of the Missionaries of St. Paul around the world.
