Historic Ceremony Marks Largest Single Priestly Ordination Since Diocese Was Established
The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia, has made history by ordaining fourteen deacons into the Sacred Priesthood, the largest number of priests ever ordained during a single ceremony since the Diocese of Auchi was established.
The historic ordination Mass took place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, Edo State, attracting thousands of Catholic faithful, priests, religious men and women, family members, friends and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond.
The atmosphere at the cathedral was one of profound joy, thanksgiving and celebration as the Church witnessed another milestone in the growth of priestly vocations within the Diocese. The record-breaking ordination is being hailed as a significant achievement that reflects the Diocese’s sustained commitment to raising dedicated priests for the service of God and humanity.
The fourteen newly ordained priests are:
- Rev. Fr. Christian Nwabueze David Ozioko
- Rev. Fr. Matthew Aimiennoghena Osigbemehe
- Rev. Fr. Moses Ubagbo Onolameh
- Rev. Fr. Constantine Gabriel Erhaefo Okpaloafe
- Rev. Fr. Cornelius Chinedu Okeke
- Rev. Fr. Michael Egiethamhe Kadiri
- Rev. Fr. Innocent Amhanesi Idenobe
- Rev. Fr. Pius Elosikhe Eshiesimua
- Rev. Fr. Anthony Chibueze Efobi
- Rev. Fr. Michael Eshioke Ayo
- Rev. Fr. Paschal Oshiopkephai Asekhamhe
- Rev. Fr. Samuel Oti Ahmed-Egbagbe
- Rev. Fr. Jude Uchechukwu Ofoegbu
- Rev. Fr. Jude Ikemeshimi Omoba
In his homily, Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia reminded the newly ordained priests of the sacred responsibility entrusted to them through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He urged them to remain faithful servants of Christ, living lives rooted in humility, holiness, charity and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
The Bishop encouraged the priests to make fruitful use of the abundant grace bestowed upon them through ordination, stressing that authentic priestly ministry is founded on prayer, selfless service and complete fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
He further charged them to shepherd God’s people with compassion, courage and integrity, becoming true witnesses of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope, peace and spiritual renewal.
Bishop Dunia also reminded the newly ordained priests that the priesthood is not merely an honour but a lifelong commitment to sacrificial service, calling on them to place Christ and the salvation of souls above every personal interest.
The historic ordination represents a defining moment in the history of the Diocese of Auchi and serves as a powerful sign of the continued growth of priestly vocations within the local Church. It further reinforces the Diocese’s mission of preparing dedicated pastors to serve the People of God within Nigeria and across the global Catholic community.
Beyond setting a new record, the ordination stands as a celebration of God’s enduring faithfulness and a renewed expression of hope for the future of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Auchi.
IBN NEWS will continue to bring you credible reports on faith, community and national development.
