The Fourth Enugu Diocesan Synod concluded on Saturday, 22 November 2025 with a grand closing Mass held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral Arena, Ogui, Enugu. The celebration drew a large congregation of priests, religious, Knights, traditional rulers, lay faithful, and foreign guests, marking both the final day of the Synod and the 2025 Priestly Ordination.
The closing Mass which was graced by His Excellency, Most Rev. Callistus V. C. Onaga, Bishop of Enugu Diocese, and His Excellency, Most Rev. Ernest A. Obodo, Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, was presided over by His Grace, Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria.
The Nuncio announced the joyful significance of the day, noting that the Synod concluded with the ordination of fourteen new priests, and conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV to the Diocese.
The following candidates were presented for ordination to the sacred priesthood:
Rev. Chianu Justine Onyedikachi, Rev. Chukwusili Michael, Rev. Mbiaku Peter Chukwuebuka, Rev. Nwafor Michael Ebuka, Rev. Ochiagha Henry Chibuzor, Rev. Offor Michael Chigozie, Rev. Ofordile Chidumebi J., Rev. Okafor Clifford Ebuka, Rev. Okolike Daniel Chekwube, Rev. Omeile Kennedy Okwudili, Rev. Onyia Raymond C., Rev. Ossai Joshua Chidiebere, Rev. Ude Stephen Chukwuka, and Rev. Udeh Chinecherem O.
Bishop Callistus Onaga welcomed the congregation and introduced the Apostolic Nuncio. After the Gospel, the fourteen candidates were called forward and each responded “Present.” The Nuncio expressed joy at ordaining them and encouraged the Diocese to rejoice with the Universal Church.
In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio urged the new priests to embrace holiness. He referenced Pope Leo XIV and highlighted the celebration of St. Cecilia, asking her intercession for the newly ordained before giving his blessing.
The candidates made their priestly promises, with Rev. Ude Stephen Chukwuka and Rev. Ochiagha Henry Chibuzor reading the Celibacy Formula on behalf of all fourteen, pledging obedience to the Church and their superiors.
During the Litany of the Saints, the candidates lay prostrate while the congregation prayed. The Apostolic Nuncio, Bishops, Monsignori, Deans, Senate of Elders, Formators, and Parish Priests then performed the Laying on of Hands. The Nuncio followed with the solemn Prayer of Consecration, officially consecrating them priests.
The newly ordained priests were vested with the stole and chasuble and anointed on the hands. The Nuncio presented each with a paten and chalice, symbols of their new ministry at the altar.
The Nuncio, Bishops, clergy, and parish priests exchanged the Kiss of Peace with the newly ordained, welcoming them into the priesthood. The Eucharistic celebration continued with the Offertory presented by the faithful.
Towards the end of the mass, Rev. Fr. Okolike Daniel Chekwubechukwu blessed the Bishops.
Rev. Fr. Ossai Joshua Chidiebere blessed all priests and deacons.
Rev. Fr. Ofordile Chidumebi Justin blessed consecrated persons and seminarians.
Rev. Fr. Chimnecherem Obinna Udeh blessed the lay faithful.
Very Rev. Fr. Ambrose Agu, the Diocesan Vocation Director, formally handed over the newly ordained priests to the Vicar for Priests, Very Rev. Msgr. Anthony Anijielo.
Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, Chancellor/Secretary, gave the diocesan announcements, while Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, Synod Chairman/Relator, presented the Synod’s official message known as the “Nuntius”.
Bishop Callistus Onaga delivered the vote of thanks, bringing the 2025 Synod to its conclusion with joy and gratitude.
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