Kaduna: Priestly Spring in the Archdiocese of Kaduna, Nigeria, where anti-Christian persecution is raging. Recently, 11 deacons were elevated to the priesthood at St. Paul’s Church in Karji, Kaduna. The truth is that despite the frequent kidnappings of priests and seminary students by Islamic extremists, this has not affected the vocation to the priesthood.
Archbishop Mathew Mann Ozo Ndagoso presided over the ordination ceremony. The faithful of the Archdiocese of Kaduna are facing serious challenges from Islamic extremists and armed robbers. Similarly, kidnapping and killing of priests are regular incidents there. As vocations to the priesthood increase from the region in the face of such challenges, that historical truth is being proclaimed again – where blood is shed for Christ, the church will flourish!
Nigeria has witnessed similar priesthood receptions in previous years. In August 2021, it was big news that 24 people accepted Tirupattam within a week. 20 persons for the Diocese of Nsukka in Enugu State and four persons for the ‘Clark Regular of Somaska’ monastic order known as ‘Somascan Fathers’ were elevated to the priesthood that day.
Even as anti-Christian persecution continues to rage, Nigeria has the sixth largest Christian population. With over 80 million Christians, Nigeria has 44 dioceses in nine ecclesiastical provinces and 29 million Catholics. Even as martyrdoms for Christ increase, the witness of faith of the young people who courageously respond to God’s call marks the bright future of the African Church.
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