By: Emmanuel Ọpẹ́yẹmí ÀLÀÓ

On Saturday, 11 April 2026, at the serene grounds of Christ the King Catholic College, Odolewu, the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode witnessed a grace-filled and historic moment as ten deacons were ordained to the Sacred Priesthood. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Excellency, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, who also delivered the homily. Concelebrating with the Papal Nuncio was the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina and a multitude of priests within and from other dioceses. Thousands of people of God gathered for this occason.

These men are not fresh from the classroom, neither did they arrive at this moment untested. For seven and eight years, they faithfully served the Church as deacons: proclaiming the Gospel, assisting at the altar, baptizing, and accompanying the faithful through moments of joy and sorrow. Their ordination marks not a beginning without foundation, but the fruit of years of quiet fidelity, sacrifice, and formation in the life of Christ and His Church.

The Rite of Ordination commenced with the calling of the candidates. One after another, their names were proclaimed, and each responded with a resolute, “Here I am,” echoing a lifetime of surrender.

Following the homily, the candidates lay prostrate as the Litany of Saints was chanted, a profound moment of humility and total offering that drew the entire assembly into deep prayer. In that silence, something deeper was visible to those who knew the journey. Seminary rectors and formators watched sons become brothers. In that prostration was every night they almost walked away, every morning they chose to stay, every quiet “yes” that led to this final and total one. It was death and resurrection rehearsed in a single gesture. The laying on of hands followed: first by the Apostolic Nuncio, then by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina and subsequently by all priests present. In this sacred and ancient gesture, the apostolic ministry was handed on. The anointing of their hands with Sacred Chrism signified their consecration for divine service: hands that will bless, absolve, anoint, and offer the Holy Eucharist. Clothed in priestly vestments, each newly ordained received the chalice and paten with the solemn charge:

“Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”

And when the new priests stood, vested in stole and chasuble, the response of the faithful could not be contained. The applause was not polite, it was thunder, it was thanksgiving, it was a Diocese exhaling years of prayer and inhaling hope.

The new priests are Rev Fr. Herbert Okwudili Abah, Rev. Fr. Valentine Chukwuemeka Aneke, Rev. Fr. Mcdonald  Obumneme Ezejelue, Rev. Fr. Anthony Azubuike Okeke, Rev. Fr. Christian Arinzechukwu Anyim, Rev. Emmanuel Chinonso Ezugwu, MST, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Anebi Odihi MST, REV. Fr. Vernatius Obinna Ndirimoha, MST, Rev. Fr. Matthew Chukwunonso Ekwochi, MST, Rev. Fr. Solomon Chuwunyere Nwachukwu

In a deeply pastoral and fatherly homily, Archbishop Crotty addressed the ordinandi: “My dear sons, today the Church entrusts you not with privilege, but with service. You have waited seven and eight years as deacons. Measure your ministry not by speed, but by faithfulness. Stay close to the tabernacle. Stay close to the confessional. Stay close to the poor. If you remain there, you will never be far from Christ, whose priesthood you now share.”

His words settled gently yet firmly in the hearts of all present. At the moment of their first priestly blessings, the newly ordained remained within the sanctuary. Their intercessions followed a striking order: first for the Apostolic Nuncio and the Bishop, then for their parents, fellow priests, religious and seminarians, and finally for the entire people of God. Even in this gesture, their priesthood spoke, rooted in communion, gratitude, and service.

In his remarks, the Bishop expressed profound gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio and, through him, to the Holy Father for his fatherly care. He also thanked the families and parish communities who nurtured these vocations. “We asked the Lord of the harvest for labourers,” he said, “and today He has answered us. Continue to pray for them, not only in this hour of joy, but in the ordinary days when faithfulness is tested.”

To our ten new priests: you entered Odolewu as deacons; you leave as priests of Jesus Christ. Your mission now unfolds in parishes, schools, hospitals, and in every place where God’s people long for His Word and Sacraments. The years of waiting have prepared you well. May your priesthood be marked by the same quiet endurance, steadfast love, and unwavering fidelity. The Diocese of Ijebu-Ode rejoices with you and assures you of her constant prayers. We entrust you to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, and invite all the faithful to continue praying for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our Diocese.