The Nigeria Delegation of the Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary had a moment of joyous celebration at St. Anthony's Parish, Asipa, Ibadan, on Sunday the 24th of April, 2016, as 5 of her Finally Professed members were raised to the Order of Deacons by the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin. 

Upon the presentation of the candidates by the Delegation Superior, Rev Fr. John Idio, the Archbishop formally chose them for the diaconate ordination. During the homily, Archbishop Abegunrin explained to the candidates the duties and responsibilities of deacons, the most important being service. He advised them not to compete with their secondary school counterparts who are now in different places in other professions in the world.

Speaking further, the Archbishop challenged them to do the will of God generously and devotedly. As deacons, "they are not just to listen to God's word, but to proclaim it, and should expect their reward on that final day when God will say to them, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in little things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

In the world faced by the evil of materialism, Archbishop Gabriel asked them to avoid being materialistic. Apart from being humble, the archbishop encouraged the deacons to enter the ministry with right intentions and to serve even the least in the Church. 

Those raised to the Order of deacons were; Aloysius Ebonine OMV, Clifford Ayegwalo OMV, Jeremiah Irabor OMV, Emmanuel Emalume OMV and Stanley Okonkwo OMV. The Mass had in attendance, the archbishop of the archdiocese of Ibadan as the ordaining prelate, 12 priests, over 40 religious sisters, many seminarians and lay faithful of which were families members and friends of the new deacons.

After the ordination Mass, there was a spicy reception during which other social activities took place – singing, dancing, jokes, refreshment etc.

Fr. Oviemuno I Obi, OMV 

Director of communications, 

OMV Nigeria