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Welcome to the official website of the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria. You will find necessary information about our diocese and her apostolates as a Local Church. The Primary Menu above provides you with different links to different functions and locations.Learn More
Pastoral Visit Schedules
Most weekends of the year, the bishop travels to parishes and institutions to oversee the people of God under his pastoral care. It is a wonderful time to have a one-on-one interaction with the bishop and be inspired in the mutual work of bearing witness to Christ.Learn More 
Health Services
Orlu diocese is actively involved in providing affordable health care services to our population. There are a number of hospitals across the different regions of the diocese where you will receive a good medical attention that is affordable.Learn More
Diocesan News and Updates
Priestly ordination is a solemn and significant ceremonial event in the Catholic Church, in which a man becomes a priest. It is one of the three levels of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, along with ordination to the diaconate and episcopate (for bishops).![]()
The ordination ceremony, which typically takes place during a Mass, is rich with symbolism and ancient traditions. Key elements of the rite include:![]()
* The Calling of the Candidate: The candidate's name is called out, and he responds, "Present."![]()
* The Laying on of Hands: This is the central, essential rite of the sacrament. The ordaining bishop silently lays his hands on the head of the kneeling candidate. This gesture, which dates back to the apostles, signifies the conferral of the Holy Spirit and a sacred character. The other priests present also lay their hands on the candidate's head, welcoming him into the presbyterate.![]()
* The Prayer of Consecration: The bishop prays a specific prayer that formally ordains the man as a priest.![]()
* The Prostration: During the Litany of the Saints, the candidate lies face down on the floor, a powerful gesture of humility and complete submission to God's will.![]()
* The Anointing of Hands: The bishop anoints the palms of the new priest's hands with sacred chrism oil, symbolizing that his hands are now consecrated for sacred duties, such as offering the Eucharist and anointing the sick.![]()
* The Vesting: The newly ordained priest is vested with the stole and chasuble, the priestly vestments.![]()
* The Presentation of the Gifts: The new priest is presented with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, signifying his primary responsibility to celebrate Mass.![]()
Through this ceremony, a man is configured to Christ the Head and Bridegroom of the Church and is sacramentally empowered to act "in persona Christi Capitis" (in the person of Christ the Head) when he preaches, administers the sacraments, and offers the Eucharist.
Priestly ordination is a solemn and significant ceremonial event in the Catholic Church, in which a man becomes a priest. It is one of the three levels of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, along with ordination to the diaconate and episcopate (for bishops).![]()
The ordination ceremony, which typically takes place during a Mass, is rich with symbolism and ancient traditions. Key elements of the rite include:![]()
* The Calling of the Candidate: The candidate's name is called out, and he responds, "Present."![]()
* The Laying on of Hands: This is the central, essential rite of the sacrament. The ordaining bishop silently lays his hands on the head of the kneeling candidate. This gesture, which dates back to the apostles, signifies the conferral of the Holy Spirit and a sacred character. The other priests present also lay their hands on the candidate's head, welcoming him into the presbyterate.![]()
* The Prayer of Consecration: The bishop prays a specific prayer that formally ordains the man as a priest.![]()
* The Prostration: During the Litany of the Saints, the candidate lies face down on the floor, a powerful gesture of humility and complete submission to God's will.![]()
* The Anointing of Hands: The bishop anoints the palms of the new priest's hands with sacred chrism oil, symbolizing that his hands are now consecrated for sacred duties, such as offering the Eucharist and anointing the sick.![]()
* The Vesting: The newly ordained priest is vested with the stole and chasuble, the priestly vestments.![]()
* The Presentation of the Gifts: The new priest is presented with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, signifying his primary responsibility to celebrate Mass.![]()
Through this ceremony, a man is configured to Christ the Head and Bridegroom of the Church and is sacramentally empowered to act "in persona Christi Capitis" (in the person of Christ the Head) when he preaches, administers the sacraments, and offers the Eucharist.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Find out more news from around the Catholic Diocese of Orlu through our official Newspaper, Forum
Support Our Mission
As the Holy Father Pope Francis has called on the Church to go out in the peripheries, bearing witness to Christ in everyday life, the Local Church of Orlu is committed to this primary task of the Church in the world. We do this through various pastoral initiatives and apostolates. There are equally numerous projects through which we impact lives and society where we live. Your prayers and donations could help us in carrying out the mission. Donate