Bishop Peter Chukwu Ordains Twelve New Catholic Priests in Abakaliki Diocese

In a momentous and spiritually uplifting ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, today ordained twelve deacons to the sacred priesthood, elevating them to the sacerdotal order during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki.

The newly ordained priests are:

1. Rev. Fr. Andrew Nwankwo
2. Rev. Fr. Henry Odoh
3. Rev. Fr. Patrick Ebenyi
4. Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Nnadi
5. Rev. Fr. Theophilus Nweke
6. Rev. Fr. Samuel Ali
7. Rev. Fr. Jude Ogbodo
8. Rev. Fr. Christian Nkwuda
9. Rev. Fr. Anthony Ogbonna
10. Rev. Fr. Ugochukwu Udechukwu
11. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uguru, and
12. Rev. Fr. Simon Nwoba.

The ordination Mass, attended by hundreds of faithful, family members, religious, and clergy from across the diocese and beyond, was marked by joyful celebration, prayer, and deep reverence for the sacrament of Holy Orders. Bishop Chukwu, in his homily, reminded the ordinands of the sacred responsibility that comes with the priesthood. He urged them to be faithful shepherds of God’s people, living lives of holiness, humility, and service.

“You are called not to be served, but to serve,” Bishop Chukwu said. “The priesthood is not a title of honor but a life of self-giving. Always remain rooted in prayer, faithful to your vocation, and committed to the mission of the Church.”

The ordination rite included the laying on of hands, the prayer of consecration, vesting in priestly garments, and the anointing of hands — powerful symbols of the transformation from deacon to priest. Each newly ordained priest was greeted with warm applause and joyful cheers as they received their assignments to begin their pastoral ministry within the diocese.

The ceremony concluded with thanksgiving, a blessing from the bishop, and the presentation of the new priests to the congregation.

This ordination marks a significant milestone for the Abakaliki Diocese, reflecting its continued growth and the vibrant vocation culture nurtured under Bishop Chukwu’s leadership. The diocese now looks forward to the pastoral contributions these new priests will make in their various assignments across parishes, schools, and chaplaincies.