PHOTONews: Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah’s Divine Call: New Dominican Priest Shines in Epic Ordination and Thanksgiving

By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja-

Priestly Ordination of Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah OP @ St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba

On June 28, 2025, the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos erupted in spiritual jubilation as Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) was ordained a Roman Catholic priest at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos.

Rev Ari — Priestly Devotion: Four Newly Ordained Priests Lie Prostrate Before Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins During Their Historic Ordination Ceremony at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba

Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah ordained a Catholic priest — *”Ordination Mass”:* Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins celebrates the Holy Mass during the priestly ordination ceremony at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos. He is flanked by newly ordained priests, including Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari.

The sacred ceremony, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, was a radiant testament to faith and divine calling.

Rev Ari.7 — New Beginnings”:* Meet the four newly ordained priests of the Dominican Order: Rev. Fr. Solomon Effiong OP, Rev. Fr. Joshua Abuja OP, Rev. Fr. Jonah Ogwuche Ari OP, and Rev. Fr. Paul Oyisi OP, standing before the congregation.

Ordained a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, Fr. Jonah stood as a beacon of hope, surrounded by a sea of worshippers, including family, friends, and fellow Dominicans.

Rev Ari 3 — “A Father’s Embrace”:* Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins warmly hugs Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari, symbolizing paternal love and spiritual guidance, moments after ordaining him to the priesthood.

The Archbishop’s stirring homily, urging the new priest to embrace a life of service and sacrifice, captivated the congregation.

Rev Ari 6 — Touching Moment: Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari overwhelmed with emotion during priestly ordination, wipes away tears

Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah’s Divine Call: New Dominican Priest Shines in Epic Ordination and Thanksgiving — Rev. Fr. Ari Jonah giving his priestly blessing to one of the congregants

Rev Ari 5 — Dance of Joy: Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari’s tribe celebrates his priestly ordination with a vibrant Idoma dance performance

Rev Fr. Ari — *”Sweet Celebration”:* Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari joyfully cuts his ordination cake, uniquely designed as a Mass Black Box, at a reception ceremony in Lagos, marking a memorable moment in his priestly journey.

Fr Ari. — *Joyful Moment:* Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari beams with pride alongside loved ones – family, relatives, and friends – in a heartwarming group photo shortly after his priestly ordination at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba.

IMG 20250710 WA0051 — *Joyful Moment:* Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari beams with pride alongside loved ones – family, relatives, and friends – in a heartwarming group photo shortly after his priestly ordination at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba.

With soulful hymns and fervent prayers echoing through the historic church, the ordination marked a transformative moment for Lagos’ Catholic community, heralding a new chapter of spiritual leadership.

Thanksgiving Mass for Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah OP at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Suleja

Fr. ari 3 — *”Clergy in Fellowship”:* Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Tamuno Joseph, Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah OP, and Rev. Fr. Francis Ugobor OP, amongst other concelebrate the Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Suleja

The celebration reached a crescendo on July 6, 2025, with a vibrant Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Suleja, Niger State.

Rev fr Ari 1 — *First Mass Celebration:* Rev. Fr. Jonah Ari presides over his first Holy Eucharist Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Suleja, marking a new chapter in his priestly journey.

Rev. Fr. Ari Ogwuche Jonah, now resplendent in his priestly vestments, led the faithful in a heartfelt liturgy brimming with gratitude and joy.

The Mass was a tapestry of uplifting music, emotional testimonies, and communal unity, as the congregation gave thanks for the gift of their new priest.