The host Priest, Rev. Fr. Robert Vedenku, welcomed all to this year’s Ordination Mass in St. John the Baptist Quasi Parish, Dabala. He acknowledged that this Ordination is historic since this is the first time ever that Dabala, is hosting ordination. Fr. Vedenku is hopeful that the occasion will become a big oak tree flowing blessings into all spheres of life of the entire township of Dabala.
He prays for the blessing from the Ordination Mass flows into the lives of all who supported the preparation in diverse ways.
The readings of the day, carefully chosen by the ordinadi, are very much appropriate for the celebration.
In his homily, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD hinted that he is not the one ordaining our brother, Rev. Elikem, it is God who has called and ordaining him. The celebration is a ministerial function, it is a mystery. It is not like a commissioning or graduation as in other churches.
He thanks the family for allowing their son to the Church, the Church accepts him and will belong to the Church forever.
The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few: however, there is a gradual decline in number of candidates in the Diocese. It is not as if there is a drought. It is the responsibility of all, families and communities, to pray for and nurture vocations.
” The Spirit of the Lord” is not just ordinary, it is an ancient ritual, it is meant for a purpose, it sends the anointed to the world for transformation in all areas-the captives, the broken hearted, the blind – to heal and win them back to God.
Annointing also means you are set apart for a special mission which calls for reflection. The Priest is expected to be gentle. Be a gentle priest! Avoid vulgar words.
The priest is chosen from among men to act in relation to God. You are called to work for God, do that work with deligence, but avoid certain works that are scandalous. You cannot engage into betting or lottery and be sharing ‘Banker to Banker” or ‘Two-sure” to people.
You are respected as a Priest, carry yourself with reverence. Respect all people, irrespective of age, race, or sex. Be prudent in all your dealings.
The sending of the Seventy Two (72), in pairs, means the harvest is indeed vast, you cannot go solo, to work alone, so work in collaboration with others – the Clergy and the faithful.
Don’t forget, God always goes before us to where we are sent to. God takes the lead, just look for Christ and work with him.
The Bishop admonished Rev. Akakpo to be the ‘other Christ’. Dedicate yourself to the ministry you are ordained into. Be a man of faith and prayer, he added.
Have the Pastoral care of the people entrusted to you at heart. Don’t wait for the people to always come to you, go to them, visit them with the Word of God. Preach explain, break the word to the people. Teach the Catholic faith, combine with the word and traditions of the Church; don’t change or water down the traditions of the Church. Celebrate the Sacraments of the Church with deligence and reverence. Don’t be judgemental on the people. Manage the goods – the people, the finances – of the Church prudently and deligently.
The Bishop prays that that he abides by the above admonisions in order to be successful in his ministry.
The Priestly Ordination rites continued and at about 11:05am, after the Consecratory prayers, our brother, Rev. Elikem Kwabla AKAKPO became a Priest. His identity changed, not only in the vestments, but also his title. He is now Rev. Fr. Elikem Kwabla AKAKPO.
The Ordination Mass is attended by Clergy, Religious and faithful from various parts of the Diocese and beyond.
May the grace of this ordination Mass and subsequent blessings flow into all parts of the Diocese, breaking all walls of sickness, divisions, and poverty. May our lives be filled with prosperity, mutual love and happiness.
We thank God for such a great day and the initiative of celebrating the mass at st . John the Baptist church for first time.
God bless their families and the community to help nurture our youth into the religious vocation.
Amem 🙏♥️