Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins Ordains Eleven New Priests in Ceremony Reflecting Biblical Tradition

In a solemn ceremony held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos today, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of Lagos, presided over the ordination of eleven newly anointed priests. The event, imbued with profound religious significance, drew parallels to the biblical tale of Moses and his selection of seventy elders to share in the burdens of leadership.

The newly ordained priests, a group of dedicated young men, include Rev. Anthony C. Eze, Rev. Benedict Emeka Anike, Rev. Benjamin Oddi, Rev. Callistus I. Onyele, Rev. Christopher S. Ngbede, Rev. Emmanuel C. Eze, CMF, Rev. Kizito O. Emenalo, Rev. Martins I. Igbadumhe, Rev. Peter Dennis S. Ulasi, Rev. Raphael N. Onad, and Rev. Augustine J. Dodo. These men have committed themselves to a life of service, living according to the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the standards set by the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Martins, who led the ordination ceremony, offered words of wisdom and encouragement to the newly ordained priests. He stressed the importance of maintaining exemplary behavior and adhering to the practices and values of the Catholic Church. In his address, the Archbishop emphasized the significance of their role within the religious community and the broader society.

Additionally, Archbishop Martins used the occasion to address the state of security in the nation. He directed his words to the recently appointed leaders of the country’s security architecture, urging them to restore hope among Nigerians and adopt innovative strategies to tackle the pressing issue of insecurity. He called upon citizens to cultivate a sense of goodwill and to be open to change in their perception of the government, expressing optimism that positive transformations could be achieved.

Archbishop Martins expressed his faith in the newly ordained priests, highlighting their extensive training and preparation. These individuals dedicated nearly a decade of their lives to seminary education, immersing themselves in the teachings of the Catholic Church and honing their spiritual and religious skills before receiving ordination.

The ordination ceremony served as a testament to the enduring faith of the Catholic in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. As these eleven newly ordained priests embark on their journey of spiritual leadership, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of the Church and the promise of positive change for their congregants and society at large.