The Diaconate Ordination was solemnly celebrated on Wednesday, 18 December 2025, with the Holy Mass commencing shortly after 10:00 a.m. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Jacek Tendej, CM (of Alotau-Sideia, Papua New Guinea), and concelebrated by numerous priests, including the Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Albert Ikpenwa, where the ordinands are currently undertaking their theological formation, the Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Thoma Maverick, Cm, the Visitor of Nigeria, Very Reverend Father Damian Nwankwo, CM, and the President of COVIAM, represented by by his vice and the Visitor of Ethiopia. Also in attendance were priests and consecrated persons from within and outside Nigeria. Members of the Vincentian family, friends, parents and relatives of the newly ordained were also in attendance.
During the Mass, fourteen (14) brothers were ordained to the sacred Order of the Diaconate. They include Raphael Maniamba (Tanzania), Dominic Olisa(Nigeria), Lepold Ndayizeye(Rwanda), John-Mary Emavwodia (Nigeria), Ignatius Ofoma, Kizito Chukwu (Nigeria), Fanomezantsoa (Madagascar), Sinang Marcel (Cameroun). Others are Peter Tairo (Tanzania), Matthew Obilor(Nigeria), Bernard Iyeli (Congo DRC), Caleb Bakam, Kigaile Gasper Bernado (Tanzania) and Ayina Vincent Cedrick (Cameroun).
The rite of ordination was celebrated with deep reverence, prayerful solemnity, and profound joy, as the candidates committed themselves to a life of faithful service to the Church.
During the celebration, the Rector of the International Vincentian Theological Seminary, Enugu (IVTS), Nigeria, Very Reverend Father Guillaume Leukeumo, CM, expressed sincere appreciation to the Superior General for his continued and unwavering support to the Conference of Visitors in Africa and Madagascar (COVIAM).
In the same spirit, the President of COVIAM, through his representative, conveyed words of gratitude. Addressing the newly ordained deacons, the Superior General exhorted them to remain steadfast in three daily essentials of their vocation: the Sacred Scriptures, the Divine Office, and faithful observance of the Common Rules and Constitutions.
Bishop Tendej offered brief but fatherly words of counsel to the new deacons and imparted his episcopal blessing. This was followed by a thanksgiving service led by the families of the newly ordained. A group photograph was taken after the Mass, followed by a series of interviews granted by the Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary, the Rector of IVTS, and the Provincial of the Nigerian Province.
The celebration continued with a reception and light refreshments. Final remarks were delivered by the Superior General, and the event was formally concluded with Benediction imparted by Bishop Jack between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
