By Charles Igwe
Newly ordained deacons in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Ahiara have been urged to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel and resist the allure of contemporary societal values that often promote comfort and convenience over faithfulness to Christ.
During the Diaconate Ordination of ten seminarians at Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral on March 1, Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, exhorted the newly ordained to embrace a ministry rooted in the eternal Word of God rather than the fleeting messages of modern culture. He emphasized that their calling is one of service to the truth, leading people to salvation and new life.
“My dear sons, yours will be a service of the Word, not the word of modern culture, which all too often leads those who follow that word down paths of comfort, expediency, and convenience. No, yours is a service of the eternal word of truth, salvation, and new life,” Bishop Okezuo stated.
The bishop reminded them of their sacred duty to teach and preach with authority, stressing that the truth they proclaim belongs not to them but to Christ. He warned against distorting the faith, urging them to present it in a manner that is clear, complete, and aligned with the teachings of the Church.
Recognizing the challenges that come with preaching the Gospel in today’s world, Bishop Okezuo cautioned that they would face resistance, particularly in an era dominated by social media and shifting societal values. He encouraged them to remain unwavering in their mission, resisting the temptation to dilute their message to please audiences or rely on superficial rhetoric.
“You will encounter, from time to time, resistance to the message of the Gospel – they are awash in social media platforms; but, in our society, you may sense in your listeners an inability to receive the Word – a resistance to the Spirit,” he noted. Despite these difficulties, he urged them to preach with courage, authenticity, and conviction, reminding them that their strength comes from the Holy Spirit.
The bishop further called on the deacons to serve with humility and reverence, understanding the profound nature of their ministry. He highlighted their role in assisting priests in the sacred liturgy and guiding the faithful toward true worship. He also reminded them that their service extends beyond the altar, encompassing justice and charity, which must remain central to their ministry.
“You should never lose this call of service; and when, God willing, you are called to the Priesthood, you will bring with you a lifelong order to serve in the manner of Jesus,” he said.
Bishop Okezuo, who began his episcopal ministry in December 2023 as Auxiliary Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, encouraged the deacons to approach their duties with deep purpose and unwavering dedication. He assured them that by preaching from their hearts and remaining faithful to their calling, they would experience the power of the Holy Spirit working through them.
