By Sylvester IgwesiPeople from different parts of the country recently converged at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Parish, New Haven, Enugu, Enugu State, during the year 2023 diaconate and priestly ordination of the order of Capuchin Friars minor, custody of St. Francis and St. Clare, Nigeria. Shortly before the ordination mass began, the six (6) candidates for the priestly ordination were presented to the church as follows: Friar Anthony Amaechi Alumona, who is a native of Mbu-Agudene in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State, Friar Augustine Dawodu who is a native of Irrua community in Esan Central LGA of Edo State; Friar Tochukwu Oko6nkwo who hails from Aguobu Umumba in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, Friar Pius Nweya, he hails from Umuodimegwu in Imilike-Ani, Udenu LGA of Enugu State, Friar Gabriel Amokaha, he hails from Adikpo Town in Kwande LGA of Benue State and Friar Jude Igbo who is a native of Okpatu town in Udi LGA of Enugu State; while the candidates for diaconate ordination are: Chinedu Emmanuel Onah, John Oghene Karo Dase and Igbo Ekwulusi Ndubuisi Emmanuel. Delivering Sermon in the Liturgical assembly, the Ordaining Prelate, His Lordship, Most. Rev. Dr. Denis Chidi Isizoh, Catholic Bishop of Aguleri diocese, Anambra State, said without Priest(s), we have no Eucharist and without Eucharist the Church does not exist. He further said we are going to see the Spirituality of St. Francis come back to the church. He noted that St. Francis come from a rich family, but he chose to be poor. The bishop prayed, let the simplicity of St. Francis6 return back to the church.
Bishop Isizoh explained that FRIARS simply mean brothers and charged the new ordinands to let their ministries reveal God’s presence in the Church. Earlier, one of the councilors of the Major Superior, Friar Bonaventure Okezie Nwokike, OFM, Cap, Welcomed the bishop, Priests, religious and people from far and near. The regular superior, order of Capuchin, Friar Minor Nigeria, Br. John-Kennedy Anyanwu, OFM, Cap, in his vote of thanks, said that the 6 ordinary brothers (Priests) started 12 years ago, and today we are celebrating and rejoicing. He commended the ordaining prelate, the Parish Priest of St. Mulumba’s Parish, New Haven Enugu, Rev. Fr. Cyprain Tochi Eluwa, CSSP, who was unavoidably absent during the event. The regular superior also appealed to people, to be their benefactor(s) and benefactress. He further stressed that some give to the mission by going; some go to the mission by giving. Among the attendees of the ordination mass was a world class medical icon, Dr. Willy Onuorah; retired co-ordinator of World Health Organization (WHO); Very Rev. Fr. Amobi Omeayor who came back from Europe and America after his further studies; and many other dignitaries, both Priests and lay faithful.
