AWKA—NIGERIAN-born Prefect for the Congregation of Divine Worship and Sacrament in the Vatican, Francis Cardinal Arinze has said that Igbos are one of the highest producers of priests in the Roman Catholic Church, and wants them to keep it up. Cardinal Arinze spoke at St. Williams Catholic Church, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi local government area of Anambra State during celeberation of the Golden Jubilee of the priestly ordination and 80th birthday of former chaplain of the Nigerian Army, Rev. Monsignor Matthew Obiukwu.

Delivering the homily at the occasion, Cardinal Arinze appealed to Ndigbo to remain committed to the church and the production of more priests, adding that “priesthood is a gift and mystery from the Almighty and that is the reason why they act on behalf of Christ in the administering of Sacraments.”

Monsignor Obiukwu, who was the first Nigeria Army Catholic priest Champlain, in his speech thanked God for keeping him in the vine yard of Lord up to this 50 years in priesthood, inspite of vicissitudes of life.

Commending the Monsignor a prominent member of the church and former deputy governor of Anambra State, Mrs Stella Odife, described the Monsignor as “a good man”.