In a historic gesture marking the Jubilee Year for Priests, Pope Leo will preside over the ordination of Rev. Hilary Izuegbunam and Rev. Jude Okoye—two deacons of the Archdiocese of Onitsha—at St. Peter’s Square, Rome, on Thursday, 27th June 2025.
The deacons were ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke in December 2024, after completing their theological formation in Rome. Sent by the Archbishop in 2020 for advanced theological studies, both candidates earned their degrees in theology and were subsequently granted permission to pursue a Licentiate in Theology.
Their priestly ordination was initially scheduled for 12th July 2025 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha. However, this plan was graciously adjusted following a personal request by Pope Leo to ordain them in Rome as part of the Vatican’s Jubilee celebrations for priests.
This exceptional papal ordination underscores the universality of the Catholic priesthood and highlights the growing contribution of the Nigerian Church to the global mission of the Church. It is a moment of profound joy and honour for the Archdiocese of Onitsha and the Nigerian faithful.
