The Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese in Enugu State, the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Onah, has urged newly ordained priests in the diocese to always see Jesus Christ as their role model.
Onah gave the advice in a homily at St Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral Nsukka on Saturday, during the ordination of 20 new priests in the diocese.
He said seeing Jesus Christ the Son of God as a role model would make the priests to be humble, dedicated and God-fearing in all they did.
“Always see Jesus Christ as your role model as your work in God’s vineyard.
“As you are ordained today, you are servants of God as well as servants of the people. Do not allow any earthly thing to distract you in worshiping and preaching the word of God.
“The power of priesthood has only meaning in total service and submission to the Almighty God,” he said.
He urged them to remain firm and steadfast in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter the circumstances they found themselves in.
“Be ready to sacrifice your life for telling the truth or preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he told the newly ordained priests.
The bishop prayed the Lord Jesus Christ whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit, to guide, sanctify and preserve them in their vocation.
“Always know that your help and strength are from God who created heaven and earth.
“Remember that one with God is with the majority, victorious and can never be put shame,” he said.
Onah urged the Catholic faithful to pray for the new priests so that God would direct them in whatever they would do as priests.
“Do not be a distraction to them but always pray for them so that God will guide and direct them,” he said
Those ordained included : Rev Fr. Innocent Ugwuoke, Rev. Fr. Lawerence Ugwu, Rev. Fr. Charles Ezema and Rev Fr. Kingsley Aroh, among others.