Bishop Dunia Ordains Record 14 Priests For Auchi Diocese
The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia, on 18th of July, 2026, ordained fourteen deacons to the Sacred Priesthood, the highest number of priests ever ordained at a single ceremony since the Diocese was established.
The historic ordination Mass, held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, was a remarkable celebration of faith, vocation, and thanksgiving, drawing an unprecedented gathering of priests, religious, parishioners, family members, friends, and well-wishers from within and beyond the Diocese.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as the faithful witnessed another significant chapter in the growth of the local Church. The record-breaking ordination is widely regarded as a testament to the Diocese's sustained commitment to fostering priestly vocations and strengthening the mission of evangelization.
The newly ordained priests are Rev. Frs: Christian Nwabueze David Ozioko, Matthew Aimiennoghena Osigbemehe, Moses Ubagbo Onolameh, Constantine Gabriel Erhaefo Okpaloafe, Cornelius Chinedu Okeke, Michael Egiethamhe Kadiri, Innocent Amhanesi Idenobe, Pius Elosikhe Eshiesimua, Anthony Chibueze Efobi, Michael Eshioke Ayo, Paschal Oshiopkephai Asekhamhe, Samuel Oti Ahmed-Egbagbe, Jude Uchechukwu Ofoegbu, Jude Ikemeshimi Omoba
Delivering the homily, Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia reminded the newly ordained priests of the sacred responsibility they have received through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He urged them to remain faithful servants of Christ, calling on them to become shining lights to God's people through lives marked by humility, holiness, charity, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
The Bishop encouraged them to make fruitful use of the abundant grace bestowed upon them at ordination, stressing that authentic priestly ministry is rooted in prayer, selfless service, and fidelity to the teachings of the Church. He further exhorted them to shepherd God's people with compassion, courage, and integrity, becoming true witnesses of Christ in a world yearning for hope and spiritual renewal.
The ordination marks a defining moment in the history of the Diocese of Auchi and serves as a powerful sign of hope for the Church. It reflects the steady growth of vocations within the Diocese and reinforces its mission of providing dedicated pastors to serve the People of God both within Nigeria and beyond.
Indeed, this historic ordination is more than a numerical record—it is a celebration of God's enduring faithfulness and a renewed promise of hope for the future of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Auchi.
Agbukor Lucky Apeakhuye,
Editor ll
Promise Newspaper
Catholic Diocese of Auchi
The historic ordination Mass, held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, was a remarkable celebration of faith, vocation, and thanksgiving, drawing an unprecedented gathering of priests, religious, parishioners, family members, friends, and well-wishers from within and beyond the Diocese.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as the faithful witnessed another significant chapter in the growth of the local Church. The record-breaking ordination is widely regarded as a testament to the Diocese's sustained commitment to fostering priestly vocations and strengthening the mission of evangelization.
The newly ordained priests are Rev. Frs: Christian Nwabueze David Ozioko, Matthew Aimiennoghena Osigbemehe, Moses Ubagbo Onolameh, Constantine Gabriel Erhaefo Okpaloafe, Cornelius Chinedu Okeke, Michael Egiethamhe Kadiri, Innocent Amhanesi Idenobe, Pius Elosikhe Eshiesimua, Anthony Chibueze Efobi, Michael Eshioke Ayo, Paschal Oshiopkephai Asekhamhe, Samuel Oti Ahmed-Egbagbe, Jude Uchechukwu Ofoegbu, Jude Ikemeshimi Omoba
Delivering the homily, Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia reminded the newly ordained priests of the sacred responsibility they have received through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He urged them to remain faithful servants of Christ, calling on them to become shining lights to God's people through lives marked by humility, holiness, charity, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
The Bishop encouraged them to make fruitful use of the abundant grace bestowed upon them at ordination, stressing that authentic priestly ministry is rooted in prayer, selfless service, and fidelity to the teachings of the Church. He further exhorted them to shepherd God's people with compassion, courage, and integrity, becoming true witnesses of Christ in a world yearning for hope and spiritual renewal.
The ordination marks a defining moment in the history of the Diocese of Auchi and serves as a powerful sign of hope for the Church. It reflects the steady growth of vocations within the Diocese and reinforces its mission of providing dedicated pastors to serve the People of God both within Nigeria and beyond.
Indeed, this historic ordination is more than a numerical record—it is a celebration of God's enduring faithfulness and a renewed promise of hope for the future of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Auchi.
Agbukor Lucky Apeakhuye,
Editor ll
Promise Newspaper
Catholic Diocese of Auchi
