Owerri — No fewer than 18 senior seminarians have been raised to the service of deacons by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma.

In his sermon, during the colourful event,which took place at Saint John's Catholic Church, Umuobom, Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, Bishop Ukwuoma commended the candidates' families for encouraging and supporting them in their priestly training.

"People don't just get up to assume ministerial positions. God has a way of doing things and choosing ministers in His church. They are appointed and ordained," Ukwuoma said.

He reminded the candidates that their deaconate ordination was only a stage in the process of becoming Catholic priests, and warned that their final elevation will not be automatic.

"If you perform your duties creditably and responsibly, you will be elevated in the nearest future to the status of the presbyter. By these offices, we become vessels in God's service to dispel the darkness of sin in people's hearts," the Bishop said.