(ZENIT News / Nsukka, Nigeria, 02.09.2024).- The Ordination of 23 new priests last August 10 in the Diocese of Nsukka, Nigeria, has made the diocese exceed the 400 presbyters at the service of the local communities. According to the 2023 Pontifical Yearbook, the increase in priestly vocations in Africa was of 2.1%.
Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, has directed the diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in July 2023. At the end of the Priestly Ordination, he expressed his gratitude and joy for the growth in the number of priests serving in his Episcopal See.
Bishop Onah addressed the Deacons, who were going to be ordained priests during the Eucharistic Celebration in Saint Tresa’s Cathedral, saying that they were receiving a gift with which they will be “profoundly transformed and configured to Christ.”
With the August Ordination, the number of priests in the diocese has doubled over the last ten years. During the homily, the local Bishop warned the priests about the use of the social networks in their ministry. “There are certain places that priests must avoid, certain Websites they must not visit, certain applications they must not download and certain networks they must not relate to. Their attire must also reflect their sacred vocation.”
If there is only one seminarian in the Dublin diocese, it is worth reflecting on the reason why Monsignor Onah commented on the global context of their vocation, reminding the 23 Deacons, who were going to be Ordained Priests in his diocese, that they are at the service of the Catholic Church worldwide at any moment. “As priests, you must discern about where you are going and what you are doing. You must remember that you are clay pots that carry a precious treasure and must keep it with care.”
Given the 195 diocesan priests and 16 men religious existing in the diocese in 2013, who now number 417, he highlighted a parallel with the Prophet Jeremiah, called to prophesy to the nations. ”So long as you are faithful to this mission, you have nothing to fear. In Christ, the roles of Pastor, Priest and Prophet are combined, and your brothers and friends now assume this responsibility,” he continued.
The Bishop reminded the 23 new priests that they are not the “result of an accident, without caring about what science suggests. Every human being is a unique expression of the love of God, unique and irreplaceable.”
Bishop Onah asked the faithful to support the new priests with their prayers and not interfere in their ministry. And he thanked “the families, the parish communities and all those that contributed to the formation of these young men, acknowledging the collective effort necessary to prepare them for their lifelong commitment.”
