Archbishop Valerian Okeke of the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha on Saturday said the call to priesthood was a call for sacrifice and service to the work of God.
Okeke stated this in Gwagwalada at the 32nd Priestly Ordination of the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP).
The archbishop, who commended the newly ordained priests, urged them to see and appreciate their positions as call for sacrifice and love.
“Priesthood is a gift and misery because we cannot explain why we are chosen and in this instance, 19 people started the philosophy of the process we are celebrating today.
“It is a process that started about nine years ago and only four were able to make it, not because they are more intelligent but because they are chosen by God.
“Therefore, I urge you to appreciate this precious gift in love and see it as a call for sacrifice,” he said.
The cleric called for more commitment to the work of God among the priests; adding that the position was a call for renunciation from old ways.
He called for support from families and friends of the newly ordained priests through prayers, advice and finance to enhance the accomplishment of the assignment given to them.
“You must not over burden the priests with material things; you must not be an obstacle to their assignments by your kind of demand and advice.
“Good advice, prayers and monetary support within your means will be of support to the work committed to their hands,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four priests who pledged to be committed to the work of God in their postings were ordained at the ceremony. (NAN)