Bishop Estévez Ordains Martin Ibeh to Transitional Diaconate
November 19, 2017 • Diocese of St. Augustine

Martin Livinus Ibeh was ordained to the transitional diaconate Saturday, Nov. 17, at Christ the King Parish in Jacksonville. Bishop Felipe Estévez was the principle celebrant.

Bishop Estévez begins the rite of ordination for Martin Ibeh, held at Christ the King Parish in Jacksonville on Saturday, Nov. 18. (Photo by St. Augustine Catholic/Woody Huband)

Ibeh was born and raised in Nigeria. After earning a bachelor’s in information science in 2005, Ibeh worked as a university reference librarian.

He entered the Society of Our Mother of Peace in 2007 and after three years of formation, he was sent to the motherhouse of the order. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St Louis.

Ibeh said he felt called to the diocesan priesthood. He was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Augustine and is studying at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach.

“My desire for holy priesthood was a fire that the Lord enkindled in my heart early in my life,” Ibeh said. “But the Lord of the harvest took me through a vocation detour through colleges and jobs outside the seminary walls.

“Many years later, here I am today celebrating the joy of being a seminarian,” he said. “I trust that the Lord will perfect what He has started in my life.”

Please pray for Rev. Mr. Ibeh as he continues his formation to the priesthood.

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