-By Ruben Mario Brodrick
Abuja, Nigeria โ In a clear demonstration of its expanding global influence, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has dispatched 14 diocesan priests on missionary assignments spanning Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This move reinforces the Church’s commitment to worldwide evangelization.
The commissioning Mass, led by His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, took place at St. Gabriel Chaplaincy in Abuja. It followed an intensive seminar designed to prepare the priests for their international roles.
Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed the importance of proper missionary training for diocesan priests, who are traditionally focused on local needs. He also issued a stark warning against priests seeking personal gain abroad, stating that such motives would make them “mercenaries” rather than missionaries.
He emphasized that Nigeria, now spiritually mature, must contribute to the universal Church’s mission. “We are now adults in the household of God,” he said, noting that nations which once sent missionaries to Africa now require spiritual assistance themselves. The Cardinal also reminded the faithful that supporting missionary work involves “going, praying and giving.”
The priests commissioned are Rev. Fr. Nwode Godwin Oje, Rev. Fr. Robert Saater Achiaga, Rev. Fr. John Paul Gabriel, Rev. Fr. Laโah Lawrence, Rev. Fr. John Ikpochi Itodo, Rev. Fr. Ogbanje Elaigwu Edwin, Rev. Fr. Adebo Matthew Ocheola, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Sunday Entonu, Rev. Fr. Audu Dominic Elaigwu, Rev. Fr. Odo Peter Okopi, Rev. Fr. Audu Oyine Peter, Rev. Fr. Benedict Onakpoma, Rev. Fr. Matthew Onoja Gilbert and Rev. Fr. Samson Osagie.
The ceremony concluded with blessings from Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, affirming the Nigerian Church’s ongoing vital role in fulfilling the ‘Great Commission’.
Leave feedback about this