Archbishop Brady to ordain ten members of the Missionary Society of St Paul in Nigeria

23 Jun 2006

PRESS RELEASE

23 JUNE 2006

ARCHBISHOP BRADY TO ORDAIN TEN MEMBERS OF THE

MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF ST PAUL IN NIGERIA

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Dr Seán Brady, travels to Nigeria
today following an invitation from the Missionary Society of St Paul to ordain ten of
its members at a ceremony tomorrow at Gwagwalada, outside Abuja, capital of Nigeria.

The invitation was extended to Archbishop Brady by the Superior General of the Missionary
Society of St Paul, Fr Hyacinth Egbebo, who recently visited Ireland.

During his visit to Nigeria, Archbishop Brady will also meet with the Irish Ambassador to
Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr Liam Canniffe, Most Rev John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop
of Abuja, and His Excellency, Most Rev Renzo Fratini, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria.

Speaking before his departure to Nigeria, Archbishop Brady said: “While Ireland has had a
traditional missionary presence in Nigeria, in recent years the links between the two
countries have grown closer. Since 2000 several thousand Nigerians have made their home
in Ireland, making a valuable contribution to the Irish Church, society and economy. Both
Ireland and Nigeria have much in common, including a strong commitment to family values,
and we look forward to a greater sharing of each country’s talents and gifts now and in
the future.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

* The Missionary Society of St Paul was founded in Nigeria over 30 years ago following
an appeal from Pope Paul VI to the Nigerian Bishops.
* Father Hyacinth Egbebo, the present Superior General, studied in Ireland in the late
1990’s.
* The Archdiocese of Armagh has links with the Missionaries of St Paul dating back to
the late 1990’s. Since then several priests in succession from the Missionary have
assisted in the parish of Ardee, Co Louth, while studying in Dublin. Other members of
the Society have worked on a short-term basis, in various parishes throughout the
Archdiocese of Armagh.

Further information:

Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)