Onitsha Archdiocese Marks 140 Years Of Catholicism, Welcomes 44 New Deacons
By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha has marked a defining moment in its history, celebrating 140 years of Catholicism in Igboland with the ordination of 44 new deacons, an event that underscored the enduring legacy of the early missionaries whose sacrifices laid the foundations of the faith in the region.
Held at the Basilica Square of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, the ceremony drew thousands of worshippers, dignitaries and clergy, including all the Bishops from the nine dioceses of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province.
Presiding over the Mass, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, reflected on the courage of the Irish missionaries who first arrived in Onitsha in 1885.
He noted that many of them died in service, while others returned home sick, yet their commitment transformed education, faith, and society across Igboland.
“Education is light,” he reminded the congregation, praising the missionaries for planting seeds that continue to flourish.
He urged the faithful to remain steadfast in Christ, “the foundation of our faith.”
Addressing the new deacons, Archbishop Crotty described their ordination as the beginning of a lifetime of service, calling on them to uphold humility, dedication, and reliance on Christ.
The 44 newly ordained deacons came from dioceses across the province, including Abakaliki (15), Onitsha (11), Awka and Ekwulobia (7), Enugu (4), Nsukka (4), and Awgu (3). Among them were Celestine Okeke, Valentine Obieze, Kevin Ejike, Cyril Umezuluike and others.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, who attended the celebration, highlighted the Church’s immense contributions to education and healthcare in Igboland, expressing gratitude to the missionaries whose work continues to shape society.
Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, lauded the event as divinely timed, thanking God for the legacy of missionaries “who suffered so that others may live.”
He commended all who contributed to the success of the celebration, including Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), Peter Obi, Anambra State Deputy Governor Dr Ibezim, Senator Tony Nwoye and the Catholic faithful across the province.
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