EAST NIGERIA PROVINCE WITNESSES THE DIACONATE ORDINATION OF NINE OF HER STUDENTS
by cmf
The Claretian Missionaries, East Nigeria Province rejoiced exceedingly on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as nine of their seminarians were ordained to the diaconate in a solemn liturgy at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The Mass, which began at 10:00 a.m., was presided over by Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Owerri who was also the ordaining prelate. He was flanked by the Provincial Superior of the Claretian Missionaries, East Nigeria Province Very Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF and the Vicar General Pastoral of the Archdiocese of Owerri Very Rev. Fr. Reginald Egbu, a visible sign of collaboration between the congregation and the local Church. Their presence underscored the shared mission of nurturing vocations and guiding young men towards the life of faithful service to God and humanity through the sacred ministries.
The nine Claretian ordinands were joined by twelve other candidates from the Archdiocese of Owerri, bringing the total number of those ordained to twenty-three. While the day was a celebration for the entire local Church, the Claretian family gave special thanks for the gift of these nine young men who now step into the ministry of service as deacons.
During his homily, Bishop Chikwe reminded the ordinands that the diaconate is a ministry rooted in humility and service. He urged them to proclaim the Gospel with zeal, assist at the altar with reverence, and dedicate themselves to the needs of the faithful with compassion. He mentioned that for the Claretian Missionaries, founded by St. Anthony Mary Claret, the ordination is a moment of renewal and hope. The nine new deacons embody the congregation’s charism of evangelization and missionary zeal, preparing to serve the Church and society with courage and dedication.
The celebration which had over 250 priests, about 65 religious women and a host of others from different parts of the country in attendance was marked by vibrant hymns, heartfelt prayers, and the joyful participation of families, friends, clergy, and religious. As the newly ordained deacons begin their ministry, the Claretian community and the wider Church pray that their service will bear abundant fruit for the glory of God and the good of humanity.
After the Mass, the celebration continued at the premises of Maria Assumpta University, Owerri, where families, friends, priests and religious, parishioners of the newly ordained Claretian deacons, and the Claretian family gathered for thanksgiving and dances. The parents and relatives of the ordinands offered heartfelt gratitude to God for calling their sons and brothers to His service. They also expressed deep appreciation to the Claretian Missionaries for nurturing their vocations and pledged their continued support both to the ordinands in their ministry and to the congregation in its mission.
This joyful occasion strengthens the Claretian Congregation and enriches the wider Catholic Church in Nigeria and beyond. The faithful join in prayer that the ministry of these newly ordained deacons may bear abundant fruit for the glory of God and the service of humanity.
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