It was indeed a fruitful vocation story for the Nigeria Delegation of the Queen of the Holy Rosary and the Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMV) in general as two of her Deacons were raised to the Order of Presbyterate in the presence of their families and friends on the 16th of June, 2018, at St Mary's Catholic Church, Tudun Wada, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria. The Holy Mass, which began around 10:47am was presided over by the Ordaining Prelate, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja. Upon the presentation of the candidates by the Delegation Secretary, Very Rev. Fr Cyril Odey, OMV, the Cardinal elected the candidates for the Priestly ordination.
In his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan began by showing gratitude to the Congregation in general through the Delegate Superior, Very Rev. Fr Paul Ubebe, OMV. He commented on the quality of formation the seminarians of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary received in the Formation House. Speaking from his encounter with the OMV priests, the Cardinal said that he had no fears that the candidates presented for ordination by the OMV formators are of good reputations. Speaking further, he explained in detail the nature of the Catholic priest as one who is chosen by God, that no one takes the honour upon himself to become a priest by accident, that a called from God is needed. He opined that the ministry of a priest as servant is displayed in his availability. He encouraged the deacons to be always available at their duty post actively waiting for their master to return. And in carrying out their ministry as priests, they should bear in mind who they represent. Bearing that in mind, he admonished the ordinands with the words of St Paul (2Cor. 4:1-2,5-7) to always preach Christ and not themselves as they are just mere instruments God will use to bless His people. In making reference to the Gospel (Matthew 9:35-38), Cardinal Onaiyekan said that the Harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few; therefore everyone is invited to pray the Lord of harvest to send out labourers into His harvest. The Cardinal gave reason why Jesus made that comment in the gospel and why everyone has to contribute to the mission of Christ.
The Cardinal Archbishop equally urged the deacons to promote, protect and preserve the Charism and the Constitutions of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMV) by remaining faithful to Christ and His Church. Before concluding his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan once more expressed his gratitude to the family of the ordinands for giving their children out to God to be at the service of God and His people.
Before the conclusion of the Solemn Mass, the Delegate Superior presented a Certificate of Commendation to the Sponsors of the candidates during their formation years in the seminary. On their part, the ordinands expressed their joys as they gave thanks to God and the Congregation in general. Present at the celebration, were the Cardinal Archbishop, as the ordaining prelate, the Delegate Superior, other OMV and Diocesan priests, Male and female religious, seminarians, and families and friends of the ordinands. From our statistics, we gathered that over 3,000 persons attended the ceremony. There was a colourful socials and entertainment of guests after the Holy Mass. Those ordained Priests were; Rev. Daniel Damisah, OMV and Rev. George Erumeste, OMV

Fr Oviemuno I. Obi, OMV
Director of Communications