The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Metropolitan See, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji has paid tributes to the Irish Holy Ghost Fathers who brought the faith to Owerri in 1912 for the role which they played in their missionary journey.
Ugorji expressed his appreciation to the founding fathers of Catholicism in Owerri Archdiocese at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral during the Priestly ordination of 16 Catholic Priests on Saturday August 2, 2025 in Owerri.
Acknowledging that the Catholic Faith has a rich history dating back to 1912 when the Irish Priests arrived, Ugorji reminded the faithful that the 16 Catholic Priests who were ordained today are fruits from the efforts of the Irish Priests.
Ugorji further told the newly ordained Priests that their vocation is a call to service and sacrifice, and they must bear in mind that Christ has asked everyone who has decided to follow him to carry the cross.
He also charged the lay faithful who witnessed their ordination ceremony to remember them in their prayers as this is one major role they can play to assist the newly ordained priests in their vocation.
The newly ordained Priests are Rev. Fr. Remigius Ajubie, Rev. Fr. Augustine Chukwu, Rev. Fr. Stephen Egbujor, Rev. Fr. Bright Ibekwe, Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ibeh, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iwuala, Rev. Fr. Charles Njoku, Rev. Fr. Solomon Nwaeze, Rev. Fr. Reginald Ogbuneke, Rev. Fr. Philip Oguariri and Rev. Fr. Samuel Okereke.
Others are Rev. Fr. Christian Onwusiribe, Rev. Fr. Francis Onyeneke, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Opara, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu, Rev. Fr. Marcel Umez-Emeana and Rev. Fr. Kingsley Uzodimma
