The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has ordained 22 new Deacons.
The new Deacons were ordained today 5th June, 2021 by the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.
His Lordship urged them to stay true to their vows and be men of prayer.
Bishop Obodo reminded all present that it is not about the numbers who are ordained, but, the quality of formation.
“They have been chosen and selected and will be given the power to become full fledged servants in the vine yard of God”, Bishop Obodo said.
Citing the biblical story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, Bishop Obodo said that the deacon is essentially ordained to teach and to baptize.
“As part of their primary assignment, the deacon should educate the faithful through catechesis.”
His Lordship, while referring to the ugly incident on 5th May 2021 when some people whom their Christian identity are questionable invaded the Holy Ghost Cathedral as well as the Bishop’s court and destroyed properties, decried that it is only lack of proper catechesis that can guarantee such level of desecration in the Church today.
“Just like Philip taught the Ethiopian Eunuch before he baptised him, that is how catechesis is very important to the Church in the administration of the sacrament of baptism. Baptism is the foundation of all other sacraments. It is the gateway”, His Lordship said.
Bishop Obodo further expressed his optimism on the expected nature of the kind of change all faithful should square up for.
According to him, it is not yet late, we can begin now to change how things are done to save the current generation and the coming ones from the bundle of ignorance through a conscious and strategic teaching of catechism.
His Lordship also reminded the 22 newly ordained deacons that they are called to service which basically reflects the meaning of the greek word ‘diaconos’ meaning “to help, to serve.”
While reminding them of the beauty and necessity of the vows of Chastity, Obedience and Poverty, His Lordship admonished them to take these vows seriously and be more prayerful, standing out as men of prayer.
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