9 Priests Ordination: Owerri Dioceses Agog With Preparation
…As Chief Sir Njoku, And Lolo, Lady Lyndakate Njoku Vow To Honour, Rev. Sixtus C. Okoro With Their Presence
By Charles Edet
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri Dioceses, His Grace Most Rev Lucious Iwejuru, will on Saturday August 20, 2024, Be hosting the ordination of 9 new priest in Owerri Dioceses.
While the preparation for the is gathering momentum, high powered delegations from across the globe, led by one of the ordinating priests in-law and Wífe are not prepared to loose sight of the event.
According to an announcement from the Owerri Dioceses, the ordination will be presided over by the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Owerri Dioceses where the Nine Priests who had served as Deacons and now qualified to be ordained priests, at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, Imo State Nigeria in a serene Holy Mass.
The newly elevated priests includes the following: Reverend Sixtus Chukwuebuka Okoro, Rev. Peter Divine Ikechukwu Akujobi, Rev Samuel Uchenna Chieke, Rev Emmmanuel Chukwuemeka Nwachukwu, Rev Martin Kelechi Nwoye, Rev Isidore Chukwuemeka Obisike, Rev thankGod Kelechi Ofurum, Rev Marcus Onumaku, and Rev Chukwuemeka Udeji.
Earlier on the 4th of July, 2024 the Archbishop of Owerri had in a public notice announced the ordination of the qualified Nine Deacons elevated to priesthood in accordance with the process guiding elevations and ordination of Catholic priests world wide.
The Archbishop also announced the letter, ordination will be held on Saturday 4th of August 2024, signed by him.
One of the ordination beneficiary, Rev Sixtus Chukwuemeka Okoro, who is an in-law, to Chief Sir, Leonard Ifeanyi Chukwu Micheal Njokwu, told National Dectective Magazine that he was happy that Rev Sixtus has achieved his lifetime aspirations to serve in the house of the lord and to extend the graceful benefits of serving in the house Lord to people through preaching and holding Mass respectively.
“I congratulate Rev. Sixtus on this special day of his ordination, knowing that his devotion to uphold tenets of Catholicism will be met in its fullest standards by him”, Chief Leonard said.
He prayed that the Lord Jesus Christ and Mother Mary shall guide him in the discharge of his priestly assignment towards salvation of humanity.
Also in her felicitation to the Priests slated for ordination, with particular reference to Rev. Sixtus Chukwuebuka Okoro, his Sister, Lolo lady Lyndakate Ifeoma Njokwu, eulogized Rev Sixtus as a very dedicated and devoted Catholic right from his childhood. Lady Njokwu said, Rev Sixtus priestly profile will further enhance the status of his family as a well entrenched Catholic family. She prayed that God will grant him the spiritual strength and innovation to lead with divine discharge of his priestly responsibilities.
Lady Lindakate, prayed that every word that would proceed from his mouth during Mass will edifice the people. She added that God will bless all the priests listed for the ordination and prayed that the benefits of their sacrifice to serve God shall not be in vain.
“ I Wish Rev. Sixtus success, Gods protection and grant him a fearless service in this challenging times”.
Early Life Of Fr. Sixtus Ebuka Okoro
Fr. Sixtus Ebuka Okoro was born on the 2nd of January, 1995 into the family of Late Chief Innocent Okoro and Lolo Sophia Okoro of Umuajala, Avu, Owerri West local Government Area, Imo State. He is the fifth son and sixth child in the family of seven children. 
Reverend Fr. Sixtus grew up in a devout Catholic family, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of his ancestors.
His father, Late Chief Innocent Okoro, was a respected community leader and civil servant, while his mother, Lolo Sophia Okoro, was a devoted classroom teacher and instructor. Fr. Sixtus’s early life was marked by a strong sense of faith, family values, and a passion for learning.
Fr. Sixtus started his academic journey at Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) Nursery and Primary School in Obinze, which he completed in Obokwu Primary School, Avu, in 2006.
He then proceeded to Assumpta Minor Seminary Naze and St. Peter Claver Seminary Okpala for his Junior and Senior secondary education respectively, in 2012, he obtained West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and a Diploma in Latin.
After this he proceeded for a year junior apostolic work at St. Paul’s International boys secondary school, 2012-2013.
In 2014, guided by his spiritual director’s counsel, Fr. Sixtus began his priestly formation at Spiritual Year Seminary in Okwu Ogbaku. After a transformative year of spiritual growth, he progressed to Seat of Wisdom Seminary in Ariam, Umuahia, where he pursued philosophical studies.
Throughout his seminary journey, Fr. Sixtus showcased remarkable leadership skills and dedication to service, earning him the appointment as Labour Master and Games Master. In this role, he effectively mentored and formed his fellow seminarians, demonstrating exceptional proficiency.
Fr. Sixtus’s academic excellence earned him two degrees in Philosophy from Imo State University and Pontifical Urban University in Italy (Rome). He then proceeded to the prestigious Seat of Wisdom Seminary for his Theological studies in 2019, a renowned institution for priestly formation in Ulakwu, Imo State, where he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and spiritual dedication. In 2023.
Fr. Sixtus returned to the Archdiocese with two degrees in Theology from Imo State University and Pontifical Urban University(Rome). He was then posted to St. Patrick’s Mbutuokohia for his internship, where he was ordained as a deacon on 10th February, 2024.
With fervent dedication Fr. Sixtus enthusiastically embraced various pastoral experiences during his seminary formation, serving in the several parishes and institutions:St. Paul’s International boys secondary school 2012-2013. One year-long apostolic work,Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish Avu, 2014, Sacred heart Parish Ugiri- ike, 2015,St. Mary’s Parish Agbala, 2016, St. Patrick umuneche Ntu, 2017, Fr. Cloonan Memorial Secondary School, Emekuku, 2018-2019, Immaculate Heart Parish, Orji, 2020,Ss Anthony and Jude Parish ,Umungasi Aba. Inter diocesan Apostolic work, 2021, CKC Special Jurisdiction, Avu Mechanic Village, Home Apostolic work 2022, Internship till Diaconate Ordination St. Patrick’s Mbutuokohia 2023/2024, Diaconate Ordination till Priestly ordination- St. Joseph’s Uzoagba.
Through these apostolic endeavors, he demonstrated his passion for spreading the Gospel and shepherding God’s people.
Having been actively involved in various aspects of seminary life, including liturgical ceremonies, biblical studies, and community service he was well prepared to be adorned with the priestly rope and cap.
A highly sociable clergy, a good footballer and an amiable team worker, who desired to become a priest, was inspired by his deep faith and the guidance of his spiritual mentors.
Reverend Father Sixtus Okoro’s Ordination is his resolve to dedicate his life to serving God and humanity, following the footsteps of his role model, Pope Sixtus II.
Fr. Sixtus’s vocation is rooted in his belief in the power of prayer, compassion, and service.
He hopes to emulate the selflessness and love of Christ, spreading hope and joy to those he encounters.
Fr. Sixtus is a remarkable individual who embodies faith, compassion, and dedication.
His journey serves as a testament to the power of discernment, hard work, and the pursuit of one’s calling. As he continues on his path towards priesthood, his impact will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
