HARLINGEN — The young sisters swayed joyously, rhythmically to their own voices, clapping, shouting praises to God in a language from across the vast Atlantic.
“Omeworemya Jehova jaira! — God has done it for me!” they sang first in Ibo, a language spoken in Nigeria in West Africa.
They were celebrating the ordination of two new priests yesterday at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
The Rev. Derlis Rogelio Garcia of Harlingen and the Rev. Ernest Ejiofor Ukwueze entered the priesthood in a moving ceremony. The distance between their homelands — Ukwueze is from Nigeria — highlighted the poignant significance of their mission.
Faith had brought together the powers of distance and difference.
Everyone showed a mutual adoration and gratitude for the two new priests who’d come together on the hallowed day.
“I have been working to become a priest for a long time,” said Garcia. “I have always the desire to serve the people of God and to celebrate his love to the world.”
He also appreciated the presence of family and friends, as did Ukwueze. His friends and relatives had traveled from Nigeria, Houston and other places near and far. They sat in the pews, women attired in glistening, emerald green and sapphire blue with festive designs.
Beside them were men in equally attractive garments of bold red, maroon and viridian green.
One dignified fellow wore the red cap of an Ibo chief.
Despite the power of his presence, Ukwueze spoke in a spirit of humility.
“I have always felt unworthy,” he said. “I’m glad God has chosen me without looking at my sin.”
Before the entire parish, those attending the ceremony saw only two priests promising to minister on behalf of the bishops in the dioceses where they would serve. They promised to exercise the ministry of the Word, to faithfully and reverently celebrate the mysteries of Christ, and to unite closely every day to Christ.
Bishop Daniel Flores spoke about the nature of Christ and the responsibilities of the priesthood as well as Catholics in general.
“You don’t always know what the boss wants, you just do it because he says do it,” Flores said, artfully casting spiritual matters into everyday terms people could easily understand.
The ordination included a large number of visiting priests passing by the newly ordained and laying on of hands. A cantor guided those in attendance.
“Hosanna! Hosanna!” everyone sang at one point.
At the end of the ceremony many went forward to take Communion before stepping outside. Suddenly, a power overtook the nuns who also happened to be from Nigeria, a burst of spiritual energy which captured the mood of many.
“Higher! Lifted higher!” sang one nun in a lilac habit, her powerful Ibo accent strong and vibrant. Everyone was caught up in the joyous moment as they moved to an adjoining building for lunch.
“He worked hard for it,” said Prisca Aroh, 10, a cousin of Ukwueze. She and her sister and two brothers had journeyed from Houston for the ordination.
“I feel like he did a good job,” said her brother Emmanuel Aroh, 14.
Gerardo Leal remembered fondly his friend, now the Rev. Garcia, before he’d even begun pursuing the priesthood. He’d always sought to do service in the community. Another friend, the Rev. Jacob Powell, was also happy.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “I was in seminary for four years of his life. I am very happy to see him become a priest.”
