Chief Sir Chima Ofiaeli
By Akuma Ebere
Onitsha — The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, pulsed with divine presence and overflowing emotion as 21 young men were ordained priests by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, in a soul-lifting ceremony that drew thousands from across Nigeria.
The ordination liturgy, filled with angelic chants, incense and sacred rites, became a spiritual spectacle one that reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s vibrancy and the enduring power of vocation.
The newly ordained, including Rev. Fr. Omenugha, Rev. Fr. Peter Okoli, Rev. Fr. Ezeofor, Rev. Fr. Okosu, Rev. Fr. Atuenyi, Rev. Fr. Onyeji, Rev. Fr. Nwora, and Rev. Fr. Chidoluo, prostrated before the altar in a moment of total surrender before rising as new shepherds in the Lord’s vineyard. The emotion in the Basilica was palpable tears of joy flowed freely as families watched their sons cross into the sacred priesthood.
In their message to the congregation, the priests-elect expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, vowing to uphold the Church’s mission with fear of God, compassion and unwavering service to humanity. One of them described the priesthood not as a position, but a calling.
Amidst the sea of guests, one figure stood out: Chief Sir Chima Ofiaeli, the Omereora of Oraifite,a respected Anglican and philanthropist known across Anambra for his interfaith harmony and love for youth development.
Dressed in a simple but elegant white native attire, Sir Ofiaeli made his way into the Basilica not just as a dignitary, but as a spiritual supporter. One of the newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Peter Okoli, he revealed, is not just a client, but someone he considers a son.
Sir Ofiaeli speaking to journalists, said he came not as an Anglican, but as a brother in the faith drawn by the divine nature of the ceremony. He said he attended to honour God and to celebrate the young men who had answered His call. He described their step into priesthood as one taken not for glory, but for God’s work, and prayed that the Almighty would bless them with grace, strength, and humility.
He urged the new priests to stay focused on their mission, resisting distractions that come with fame and human praise. According to him, the priesthood is not a title but a task one that calls them to be true fishermen of souls. He expressed hope that their lives would draw people closer to Christ, not to themselves.
Sir Ofiaeli’s rare appearance at a Roman Catholic ordination as a devout Anglican stirred admiration among observers and highlighted the spirit of Christian unity. One reverend sister remarked that “faith has no boundary when it’s real,” after watching him pray reverently during the laying-on-of-hands.
He was not alone in offering blessings. Mr. Chiedozie Ebuzoeme, Mr. Obiajulu, Mr. Nonso Okosu, and Mr. Martin Okoye were also present to celebrate with the ordinands, praying for their long life, spiritual strength, and fruitful service in the Lord’s vineyard.
The Onitsha Archdiocese’s latest ordination has been hailed as a bold testament to the rising number of vocations and the Church’s commitment to shaping the future with faith-filled leaders. As the sun set over the Basilica’s towers, it was clear that heaven had kissed the earth and 21 new priests had answered the call to serve.
