By Adi Indra
THREE Nigerian seminarians entered the final stage towards the priesthood when they were ordained deacons for the Brisbane archdiocese on November 21.
Deacons Odinaka Nwadike, Paul Eloagu and Dominic Orih were ordained by Brisbane auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan in Holy Spirit Chapel at Australian Catholic University, Banyo.
Priest and deacons visited from Queensland dioceses including Brisbane, Townsville and Rockhampton for the diaconate ordinations, as well as visitors from Umuahia, Nigeria, from where the deacons originate.
All three deacons have now entered the beginning of a “joyous new chapter” towards the priesthood.
“The journey that I have started a long time ago is finally coming to an end, and another one (ordination to the priesthood) is unfolding,” Deacon Nwadike said.
Deacon Eloagu said he felt humbled that God himself had chosen him as a deacon.
“I ask God to always walk with me, to show the generosity and love of God to other people,” Deacon Eloagu said.
A “special grace from God” has always been with Deacon Orih.
“I rely on the grace of God and the support and prayers of people to sustain me,” Deacon Orih said.
Deacon Nwadike will do his final pastoral placement at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Deacon Eloagu will be at Wilston parish, and Deacon Orih will head to Murgon.
Holy Spirit Seminary rector Monsignor Anthony Randazzo acknowledged parishioners, friends and family, particularly those who travelled from interstate.
In his homily, Bishop Finnigan reminded the ordinands that they should model Jesus Christ himself, who has come to serve, not to be served.
Holy day: Paul Eloagu (left), Odinaka Nwadike and Dominic Orih at the Holy Spirit Chapel during their ordination to diaconate.
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