The Catholic Diocese of Lafia, on Thursday ordained 10 new Priests, bringing the numbers of Priests in the diocese to 115.
The newly-ordained Priests include Akpen Steven, Akosu Marinus, Ari Vincent, Bako Moses, Emmanuel Laphu, Esson Simon-Peter, Giwa Meshach, Patrick Oche, Ogiri Matthew and Oyigocho Matthew.
Speaking at the ordination ceremony at the Saint Williams Cathedral, Lafia, Bishop David Ajang of Lafia Diocese told the newly-ordained Priests to know that they were called to greater responsibilities of winning souls for God.
Ajang said that they must adopt what he called four pillars in order to be successful as Priests of the Catholic Church.
He listed the four pillars as closeness to God, closeness to the Bishop, closeness to other Priests and closeness to thier members,” he said.
He explained that the only way to be close to God was through continuous prayer.
“You must be a prayerful person and also encourage others to always pray because prayer is key to the life of a Priest and a Christian.
“You must accept responsibilities and posting done by the Bishop in good faith for smooth administration of the church.
“You must also relate with other priests freely whether old or young without resulting to tribal sentiment.
“You must also relate with members of the church freely because tribal sentiments can never be allowed to exist in the catholic church,” the Bishop added.
Ajang admonished them to abide by the principles and doctrine of the Catholic church if they want to succeed as Priests.
He congratulated the priests and said that they would be connected to God if they do what is expected of them.
Responding on behalf of the priests, Ogiri Matthew expressed gratitude to God for calling them to serve in his vineyard and thanked their families and friends for their moral and financial support.
He said that the ordination was a dream come true from them and promised to abide by the rules and regulations governing the catholic church. (NAN)
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