Rev. Fr. Saviour Akalador Thanks Archbishop Ugorji, Family, Clergy and Faithful for Support at Ordination
ISSN: 2354-4481
By William Ndubuisi Alachu
AGWA, IMO STATE — Rev. Fr. Saviour Obinna Akalador has expressed profound gratitude to God, the Catholic Church, family members, friends, colleagues, parishioners and well-wishers who supported him before, during and after his priestly ordination.
In a special appreciation message issued following his ordination, Rev. Fr. Akalador thanked God for the gift of priesthood and acknowledged the prayers, love, presence and encouragement he received from numerous individuals and communities that contributed to making the ordination ceremony a memorable occasion.
The newly ordained priest, who has continued to receive goodwill from members of the Catholic community and beyond, particularly appreciated the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, for his pastoral leadership and role in his journey to the priesthood.
Fr. Akalador also expressed appreciation to the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, especially for the pastoral formation and experience he received during the one-year pastoral training he undertook as a deacon.
He described the support and guidance received from the Church hierarchy as invaluable in his preparation for priestly ministry.
The priest also singled out his siblings, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dunstan Akalador, whom he described as wonderful and deeply supportive throughout his journey.
According to him, the love, sacrifices, encouragement and prayers of his family have remained an important part of his journey and achievement.
Fr. Akalador extended his appreciation to the Vicar-General of Owerri Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Reginald Egbu, for his support and guidance, as well as Very Rev. Fr. Hyginus Ogbonna and Rev. Fr. Cosmos Ohanumma.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Sr. Jovita Nwokeocha, Eld. Dr. Amb. Malachi Ndubuisi Ebepu (JP) and Sr. Mary Queen, among others, for their prayers, encouragement and assistance.
The newly ordained priest further expressed appreciation to members of Christ the King College (CKC) Parish, Agwa, the Ordination Committee, and members of other parishes where he had served or undertaken pastoral activities.
He noted that the presence, prayers and participation of the various groups and individuals added immense value to his ordination celebration.
Fr. Akalador said the support he received went beyond material assistance, stressing that the prayers, encouragement and goodwill of the people meant more than words could adequately express.
The appreciation message also recognised the many friends, relatives, colleagues, parishioners and other faithful who contributed in different ways to the success of the celebration.
In the appreciation message accompanying his ordination photograph, the priest thanked everyone for being part of what he described as a beautiful and unforgettable moment in his life.
He expressed particular gratitude for their presence, prayers and celebration, adding that their love and encouragement would remain treasured as he begins a new chapter of service to God and humanity.
Fr. Akalador concluded his message with a prayer for all those who supported him, asking God to bless them abundantly.
He anchored his thanksgiving on the biblical assurance from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The priest’s appreciation comes as he begins his ministry with renewed commitment to the Catholic faith, pastoral service and the spiritual growth of the people entrusted to his care.
His message underscores the communal nature of priestly formation, acknowledging that behind every priestly vocation are families, priests, religious men and women, parish communities, mentors, friends and well-wishers whose prayers and sacrifices contribute to the journey.
Fr. Akalador thanked everyone who played a part in his journey and prayed that God would continue to reward them for their support.
