The Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Province of Nigeria–Southwest, added a new chapter of joy to the global Spiritan family in 2025 with the ordination of three priests and seven deacons. The celebrations took place in Benin City, Edo State, from August 28–29, 2025, marking a milestone in the life of the province and the wider Church.
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Benin City, seven confreres solemnly made their Final Religious Profession before the Provincial Superior, Fr. Augustine Uchenna Nwodo, CSSp. Those who professed their perpetual vows are: Emmanuel Olisa Alumona, CSSp, Isaiah Osazuwa Emwindaru, CSSp, Thomas Onyekachi Eze, CSSp, Cornelius Oshiole Audu, CSSp, Nixon Paul Oseigbokan Inonse, CSSp, Emmanuel Madụakọlam Alọzie, CSSp
The following day, Friday, August 29, 2025, at Mary the Queen Catholic Church, Benin City, these newly professed brothers were ordained deacons, while three others were raised to the Order of the Priesthood through the laying on of hands by Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, Bishop of Warri Diocese.
The newly ordained priests are:Fr. Osaluwe Peter, CSSp, Fr. Owolanwo Peter, CSSp and Fr. Francis Okonkwo, CSSp
A Journey of Spiritan Formation: Nigeria Southwest experience
Priestly formation in the Spiritan Congregation, particularly in Nigeria, is a profound and rigorous process spanning about 12 years. It begins with the Pre-Postulancy-a period of living in community and deepening vocational discernment-followed by a year of Postulancy at the Spiritan Postulate in Koko, Delta State. Candidates then proceed to the Spiritan School of Philosophy, Isienu–Nsukka, for a four-year study of philosophy.
Afterward, they enter the Novitiate (either at Awo-Omamma, Imo State, or Alade, Benue State), where for 13 months they immerse themselves in the Spiritan charism, spirituality, and community life. The journey continues with a year of pastoral or missionary experience, often within Nigeria or in other Spiritan missions worldwide.
Finally, the candidates advance to the Spiritan International School of Theology, Attakwu, Enugu (affiliated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, USA) for a four-year theology program. During this stage, they are progressively instituted into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte, and in their final year make their Perpetual Profession, are ordained Deacons, and ultimately ordained as Priests
A Celebration Beyond Borders
These ordinations are not just a local event but part of the wider Spiritan mission of bringing the Good News to the poor and marginalized across the world.
The province rejoices with its new priests and deacons and prays that their ministry will continue to bear witness to the Spiritan motto: One Heart and One Soul.
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