PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF THREE NIGERIAN PALLOTTINES: A Harvest of Grace!
August 29, 2026, marked a monumental day of grace and spiritual rejuvenation for the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines), Nigerian Delegature. It was a day of the priestly ordination of their three confreres: Rev. Fr. Maximilian Offor, SAC, from St. Ignatius' Parish, Ibeafor Umunum-Ehima Mbano, Imo State; Rev. Fr. Richard Ezeocha, SAC, from Regina Pacis' Parish, Ihioma, Imo State; and Rev. Fr. Stephen Eyo, SAC, from St. Joseph's Quasi Parish, Idu, Uruan, Akwaibom State. They were ordained by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, the Catholic bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, in Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel, at the Pallottine Mother House, Mbaukwu, Awka South, Anambra State.
The sacred ceremony was a vibrant testament to the enduring fruitfulness of Pallottine apostolate in Nigerian and a joyful response to the divine harvest. It was a rich mosaic of communion, bringing together the clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across Nigeria. In a powerful demonstration of fraternity and solidarity, all Pallottines serving in various pastoral fields throughout the country assembled for the event. Many UAC members were present too. More still, the home Parish Priests of the candidates, numerous guest priests, consecrated men and women from various institutes, alongside the families of the newly ordained, well-wishers, and friends graced the ceremony. The presence of the lay faithful was particularly symbolic. It alignes with the vision of Saint Vincent Pallotti, who championed "the universal apostolate and the active participation of all baptized Christians." The entire assembly reflected an image of the Church gathered in unity around the altar.
The ordaining prelate centered his homily on the solemn theme, "Here I am Lord, I have come to do your Will" (cf. Psalm 40:7-8 / Hebrews 10:7), which is at the heart of Christian discipleship and apostolic service. He admonished the newly ordained to respond positively to their ministerial service, reviving faith and rekindle charity among all Christians, in obedience and a continuous daily surrender of self to the divine purpose. He exhorted the faithful to support the newly ordained spiritually and materially in their ministry.
At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, the Delegate Rector of the Pallottines, Nigeria Delegature, Rev. Fr. Peter Ugwuegbulam, SAC, expressed a heartfelt gratitude to the Cardinal, to the bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, within whose territory the ordination took place, and to Rev. Fr. Markus Hau, SAC, our Provincial Rector and the Council. The Delegate also appreciated the priests, religious, Igwe Mbaukwu, HRM Peter Anugwu, the families of the newly ordained and all the faithful present. A joyful reception of the newly ordained followed after the mass.
As the Nigeria Delegature reflects on this harvest, the entire Pallottine family remains steadfast in prayer for the growth of its mission across the country. May abundant grace sustain Fr. Maximilian, Fr. Richard, and Fr. Stephen in their priestly ministry, and may Saint Vincent Pallotti continue to intercede for all who labour in the vineyard of the Lord.
