Isidore Nnamdi Obi was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday in Bristol’s Clifton Cathedral. With his middle name (Nnamdi) meaning “God lives” Isidore’s inspiration is clear. During a Mass celebrated by Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton, Fr Obi was ordained using holy oils and by the laying on of hands. Born in Imo State, Nigeria, 35-year-old Fr Obi moved to England in 2006 and lived in Fishponds, Bristol. Fr Obi enjoyed two years on an extended pastoral placement in Somerset as part of his training. Based at St George’s parish in Taunton, Fr Obi also spent time in the rural Catholic parish on the edge of Exmoor – St Stanislaus in Dulverton. His earlier studies took place in St John’s Seminary in Wonersh, near Guildford, and the Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium. Fr Obi said: “I never knew something could be as exciting as this. The excitement is building up the more I look forward to being ordained a priest. “I am so humbled to have the privilege of serving God and humanity through the gift of the sacred priesthood in our modern times with all the challenges that entails.”