In a heartwarming ceremony filled with prayer, joy, and thanksgiving, three Claretian brothers were ordained to the diaconate at the Claretian Theologate in Ibadan, Western Nigeria on February 18th, 2023. Brothers Michel Yves Akoa and Stève Rodrigue Ndomo from Cameroon, and Francis Ulukkanachukwu from West Nigeria, were ordained by Bishop Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo in the presence of fellow Claretian students, teachers, and friends.
In his homily, Bishop Peter focused on the role of deacons in the Church and their readiness to go to mission territories. He encouraged the candidates to be grace-winners and emphasized the vow of movement that they must fulfill as missionaries. He also urged them to take the fourth vow of the mission and be ready to go wherever they are called.
After the ordination, the Major Superior of Cameroon expressed his gratitude to God for the gift of three Claretian deacons. He also thanked Bishop Peter for presiding over the Eucharist and praised the cooperation between the organisms in Africa. He emphasized the importance of fidelity to the Charism of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
The ceremony was followed by songs, dances, and agape meals, which further strengthened the sense of joy and camaraderie among the attendees. The day will remain engraved in the history of the congregation in Ibadan, and the Claretian family is grateful to God through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
