The traditional Feast of Ss Peter and Paul on June 29 will again usher in new priests for the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
Transitional Deacons Paul Onyema Eloagu and Odinakachukwu Raphael Nwadike are due to be ordained to the presbyterate by Archbishop Mark Coleridge in the Cathedral on that evening.
Originally from Nigeria, both have completed their studies at the Holy Spirit Seminary at Banyo after arriving in Australia in June 2011.
Their elevation to the priesthood is further fruit from an agreement struck between then Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby and Bishop Lucius Ugorji of Umuahia Diocese in 2006.
In addition to their theological studies both Paul and Odinaka are well grounded in pastoral experience having enjoyed a minimum of six placements each at a mix of both city and rural parishes.
Family and well-wishers from near and far will be able to watch the Ordination Mass, either in person at the Cathedral or via a live webcast at archbne.org/bzw, from 6.30pm Monday 29 June
Subsequent to the Ordination each new priest will be able to celebrate their own “Mass of Thanksgiving”, a first for them as presider.
Deacon Paul’s Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated at 6.30pmon Wednesday 1 July at St Columba’s Church, Wilston.
Deacon Odinaka’s will be celebrated on Thursday 2 July, again at the Cathedral of St Stephen.
Released by Archdiocesan Communication Office