The Catholic Diocese of Yola celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the priestly ordination of three of its senior clergy — Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Dommanis, Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Saad, and Very Rev. Fr. Charles Damboyi — in a colourful ceremony marked by thanksgiving, reflection, and appreciation for their 25 years of dedicated service to God and humanity.
The anniversary celebration, held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, Yola, attracted priests, religious, family members, friends, parishioners, and well-wishers from within and outside Adamawa State, who gathered to honour the three clerics for their unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith and pastoral ministry.
The thanksgiving Mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Dami Mamza, who congratulated the jubilarians for reaching the significant milestone of 25 years in the priesthood.
Speaking with journalists after the Mass, Bishop Mamza described the Silver Jubilee as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the priests’ steadfast dedication to their sacred calling.
He commended the celebrants for their exemplary service to the Church and society, urging them to remain committed to the virtues of humility, sacrifice, and faithful service.
The Bishop encouraged the priests to continue carrying out their pastoral responsibilities with the same diligence, dedication, and passion that have distinguished their ministries over the past two and a half decades.
Responding on behalf of the jubilarians, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Damboyi expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving their lives and sustaining their vocation over the years.
He also appreciated Bishop Mamza, the clergy, religious, parishioners, family members, and friends for their unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement throughout their years of priestly ministry, describing the celebration as a moment of thanksgiving and renewed commitment to serving God and His people.
The celebration culminated in a grand reception in honour of the three priests, where guests paid glowing tributes to the celebrants, highlighting their contributions to evangelization, community development, education, and the spiritual growth of the faithful within the Catholic Diocese of Yola.
The event featured cultural performances, goodwill messages, presentation of gifts, and moments of celebration as the Diocese joined the jubilarians in thanking God for 25 years of fruitful priestly service while praying for many more years of impactful ministry.