THE INSTALLATION OF OUR BROTHERS INTO THE MINISTRIES OF ACOLYTE AND LECTOR AT ST. ANNES CATHEDRAL IKOT EKPENE

Peace to you dearest friends of Jesus.

In a more joyful mood of Easter and thanks to God for His mercies and providence.

On Saturday 9th of April 2022 at the Cathedral of St Annes Ikot Ekpene, 7 of our Brothers were installed into the ministry of Lector and 16 into the ministry of Acolyte. The Holy Mass was celebrated by His Lordship Most Rev. Dr Camillus UMOH, Catholic bishop of Ikot Ekpene. Other priests present were Rt. Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Maru (Rector St. Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot Ekpene), Very Rev. Fr. Godain Otu (Diocesan Chancellor), Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Umoh (Cathedral Administrator) others were Frs' Francis Akpan, Anthony Mbat (Diocesan Liturgist), JohnBosco Azuaka SHL (Vocations Director Sons of Two Hearts of Love ), JosephMartins Edebeatu SHL (Local Superior Two Hearts of Love Sons community, Ikot Ekpene), Ethelbert Ogbonna SHL (Formator, Son's community house Ikot Ekpene), Ignatius Johnson SHL, deacons at Mass were Revs' Obotama Joseph, Steven Udoh (both from Ikot Ekpene diocese) and Clement Nnamani SHL.

In his homily, the Bishop started by asking the candidates some pertinent questions; what change are you going to make as a future priest in the ministry? What will be your contribution to the ministry? Are you all ready to follow the stipulated laws and principles laid down in the priestly ministry or are you going to follow your laws and rules which some priests do this day?

Many priests have left what they were called to do and focused on money this they do by opening different ministries. In the end, what will that wealth be used for, Vanity.

As potential Shepherds of Christ flock, be kind to the sheep and care for them, not being a wolf in their midst. The people are hungry and need to be fed.

We should take care of the flocks entrusted to us. We should guide and direct them always.  He appreciated the seminarians for taking a bold step by accepting to receive the ministries, he prays for God's grace on all of them as they carry out their work diligently.

The Mass ended with Thanksgiving to God for the love and mercies received.

In a special way we wish to express our gratitude to the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Most Rev. Dr Camillus UMOH for his fatherly care, we thank also our late Principal bishop, Most Rev. Dr Paul Adegboyega OLAWOORE (Catholic bishop of Ilorin) for his fatherly love, may his soul rest in peace, amen. We thank also in a special way the Superior General and his council, Very Rev. Fr. Matthewmary Chizoba Affusim SHL (Superior General), Frs' Romanus Ugwuadu (Ist counsellor & Vicar General), JohnBosco Azuaka SHL ( Vocations Director and 2nd Counsellor), Okoronkwo Vitalis SHL (3rd counsellor), Lambert Iroakazi SHL (4th counsellor),  we pray that God will continue to strengthen them as they serve.

May the name of the Lord be praised.

May the Life, the Comfort, the Glory and the Love of God in the Hearts of love come down upon you and remain with you all now and forever. Amen.

Son's communications, Ilorin.