Rev. Ogbonnaya Bartholomew Ekene, nephew of US-based doctor and philanthropist Dr. Godwin Maduka, was ordained as a Catholic priest after completing 17 years in seminary school.
The ordination ceremony, officiated by His Eminence Peter Ebele Cardinal Okpaleke, Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, took place recently at St. Joseph Cathedral in Ekwulobia, Anambra State.
The following day, Rev. Ekene celebrated his first solemn holy mass of thanksgiving at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Umuchukwu, Anambra State.
In celebration, Dr. Maduka gifted his nephew a brand new car on behalf of his home parish. Known for his generous support of evangelical work, Dr. Maduka has previously donated cars to priests and funded the construction of church buildings and residential quarters for clergy.
Rev. Ekene’s ordination marks a significant milestone, bringing the total number of ordained priests from Umuchukwu community to five.
The event was attended by notable figures including former Anambra governorship candidate Val Ozigbo, and parishioners offered prayers for Rev. Ekene, wishing him strength and wisdom in his new journey of serving God.
