SIX DEACONS HAVE become priests in Osogbo diocese.

Revs Peter Abiona, Oyetumbi Simeon, Odunsanwo Michael, Nwogo Nicholas, Ige Michael and Anthony Adebayo were ordained priests at Oke-Maria pilgrimage centre, Otan Ayegbaju, on 29 December 2017.

Rev. Fr Joseph Abe, the homilist, admonished priests to abstain from unworthy, worldly things and remain faithful to the vow of celibacy because some have deviated.

 “The media has been going on nonstop tackling the Roman Catholic Church because of the unjust things some priests are doing, we should strive to be men of honesty, integrity, holiness and dedicated servants of God, we are men of God and priests of the most high,” said Fr Abe.

He advised them to be resolute and determined to meet the demands of priesthood in such a way the world would come to know and celebrate them justly.

The homilist told the ordinands that they came to the priesthood when the church is in need of holy and dedicated priests. He encouraged them to make a difference instead of making the same mistakes or following dishonest paths that led some to bring shame to the honour of the Church and the priesthood. Becoming a priest is not because of merit but by the grace of God. Put on the garment of humility and acknowledge yourselves as weak human beings with a strong daily commitment to a chaste and holy life. “From today, dedicate yourself to a special relationship of love, loyalty, obedience and commitment to the Church and the bishop. To the people,” Fr Abe said.

The homilist advised the laity to continue to pray and support their priests, not pity them because they are not a bunch of pitiable people rather happy to be priests. “Correct us when we are wrong but also show us respect and love, do not think your priests do not need prayers, we do because we are constantly under the attack of the devil, so, as we pray for you also pray for us, stand favourably by us and together we will win the race and make heaven,” said Fr Abe.

Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan congratulated Bishop John Oyejola of Osogbo for the accomplishment, saying “it is not an easy task to have two ordinations in a year if not for God’s wonderful work.”

Also, Bishop Oyejola congratulated the newly ordained and existing priests. He urged them to adhere to the teachings. He also welcomed and congratulated the priests and the faithful for having an addition to priesthood. He advised parents to allow their children to go to seminary and convent because the Church is in need of priests and religious. “Priests and religious are happy people,” he said.

-MARY ‘FAUSTINA ONYIA