EMEKUKU, NIGERIA - The newly ordained priests of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri that celebrates 100 years of Catholicism have been called upon to be prayerful and steadfast in their vocation in order to be able to fulfil their commitment as the representative of Christ on earth and lead many souls to heaven. This admonition was given by the Metropolitan of the Province, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, in his homily during the ordination Mass of 24 new priests for the six dioceses and Archdiocese that constitute the province and some Religious congregations. The ceremony which was the peak of activities for the centenary celebration of the arrival of the Catholic faith in the area, took place on Monday, July 16, at the Our lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Emekuku, the first settlement of the missionaries who brought the faith to the region. According to the Archbishop, their vocation, which is a special calling makes them to be outstanding among the faithful, therefore, they are expected to keep the vows of their vocation and live a Christ like life in order to lead the faithful in accordance with the teachings of the Church. The homilist urged them to rise up to the challenges of their vocation and live a life of spirituality as representatives of Christ in their ministry. The Metropolitan of Owerri, who preached the homily in Igbo, gave the genesis of the Catholic Church in the province and commended the spirit of commitment and dedication of the missionaries who braved all odds to bring the salvation of Christ to the people of the province, 100 years ago. He noted how Christ came into the world, suffered and sacrificed himself for the salvation of humanity. He therefore urged the new priests to be steadfast in their vocation, having sacrificed themselves to do the bidding of the redeemer. Present at the ceremony were Bishops Vincent Ezeonyia of Aba, Augustine Ukwuoma of Orlu, representatives of other bishops of the province, priests, religious, lay faithful and dignitaries from all walks of life within and outside the province The newly ordained priests are: Anthony Ujagbo, Marcelinus Odinakachukwu, Kyrian Agogbuo, George Ike, Bernard Chukwuma, Emmanuel Duru, Betrand Nnajiemere, Chigoziem Ogbonna, Thaddeus Nnebedum, John Vianney Akasiugwu and Kingsley Ekeocha. Others are: Cajethan Opara, Thaddeus Agbasonu SMMM, Jacob Kalu, Jude Chukwudi omd, Valentine Amuneke C.S.Sp, Precious Eze, Hilary Anadu CMF, Henry Osuagwu CMF, Joachim Onyeagam, Emmanuel Ohiri, Eric Edoziem, Lambert Chizomam and Paschal Anyanwu CSSp.