In a beautiful and solemn liturgy on July 20, 2019, the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr Valerian Okeke, ordained 7 Dominican brothers to the priesthood. The event took place at St Thomas Aquinas Priory (Dominican Community), Ibadan. The candidates who were raised to the Order of presbyterate are of Rev. Fr Moses Arung OP, Rev. Fr Samuel Akalite OP, Rev. Fr Anthony Hamidu OP. Rev. Fr Emmanuel Ohai, OP,  Rev. Fr Emmanuel Adama OP, Rev. Fr Charles Chibogu OP and Rev. Fr Jude Ibeh OP.

In his homily, titled: Being Friends with Jesus, the ordaining Prelate said that people who have no common interest cannot be friends, they cannot operate at the same frequency. Christ condescended to the level of the apostles and elevated them. Addressing the ordinands he said: "if you believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach, you will be operating at the frequency of Christ". Then you will be become transformed.

He said the act of ordination gives the ordinand sacred powers. The anointing confers the supernaturality of his function. He urged the ordinands to be ready to sacrifice their lives just like Christ did. He said, in fact, the priest dies on the day of his ordination, when he lied down during the litany of saints. Thus he admonished the ordinands not to be afraid of speaking the truth, no matter the situation. Also, he admonished them to be prayerful and to model their lives on the Lord's cross.

In addition, the Prelate said that the people of God have a duty of telling their priests the truth as they know it, especially in matters of administration of the parish. They should help him to literally and willingly live out his vows, for the lay faithful cannot receive a reward from God if they constitute hindrance or become an obstacle in the life of a priest.

The celebration was well attended and participated by priest, religious and members of the Dominican family. The family members and friends of the newly ordained were also in attendance, including our friends and benefactors. At the end of the celebration, the Socius and Vicar of the Prior Provincial, Rev. Fr. Felix Onemheghie, OP, expressed gratitude to God, the ordaining Prelate, the families of the ordinands, our benefactors and friends and indeed to everyone who assisted in the formation of the newly ordained. 

We say congratulations to our newly ordained brothers. May our Father, St. Dominic, continue to intercede for them as they work in the Lord's vineyard. Amen.