Owerri Catholic Archdiocese to Ordain Daniel Izuchi Opara as Priest on August 1
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
OWERRI, IMO STATE – The Catholic faithful in Imo State are set to witness another significant milestone in the life of the Church as Daniel Izuchi Opara is scheduled to be ordained a Catholic priest on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
The priestly ordination will be conferred by His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Catholic Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese.
According to the invitation released by his family, the ordination is being celebrated in thanksgiving to God by the Parish Priest, the entire Umuawuka Catholic Community, and the family of Nze and Lolo Hilary Opara of Mbutu Umuawuka, Mbaoma-Emii, Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State.
In a personal message accompanying the invitation, the ordinand expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of his vocation and warmly invited friends, relatives, and well-wishers to witness the historic occasion.
"The priesthood is not an honor merited, but a sacred gift. Hence, 'no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was' (Hebrews 5:4)," he stated.
He added that the presence, prayers, and support of invited guests would make the celebration even more meaningful as he answers God's call to the sacred priesthood.
Following the ordination, Rev. Daniel Izuchi Opara will celebrate his First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Parish, Umuawuka Emii. A reception will immediately follow the Mass at the family compound.
The Catholic Church regards priestly ordination as one of its most sacred sacraments, through which ordained ministers are empowered to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and provide pastoral care to the faithful. The ceremony marks the culmination of years of spiritual, academic, and pastoral formation in preparation for lifelong service to God and humanity.
The ordination of Daniel Izuchi Opara is expected to attract Catholic clergy, religious, family members, parishioners, and well-wishers from across the Owerri Archdiocese and beyond, who will gather to celebrate the joyous occasion and pray for his fruitful ministry.
