Search
MODESTUS DIKE ORDAINED DEACON
-
June 16, 2025On Friday, June 13, 2025, Most Rev. Jerome Feudjio ordained Modestus U. Dike as a Deacon. The event took place in Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Charlotte Amalie, during a Eucharistic celebration presided at by the Bishop himself.
The Event
Present at the Mass were some family members of Deacon Dike, priests and Deacons of the Diocese, and Christ’s faithful from across the Diocese, especially from St. Thomas – St John Deanery.
After being presented by his family members, the Vocations Director, Rev. Louis Kemayou, gave the testimony of suitability on behalf of the People of God. Bishop Feudjio accepted the candidate and then proceeded to preach, and ordain Modestus as a transitional deacon.
In his homily, the Bishop urged Deacon Modestus to a life of dedicated service, reminding him that it would have more value in the eyes of the Lord when done in humility. He called on all present to follow the teaching and example of Jesus, and humble themselves, so that they would be great in the Kingdom of God.
The singing was led by choristers from the Cathedral who sing at the different weekend Masses. The other parishes of the Deanery participated in the Liturgy of the Word with the proclamation of the readings and chanting of the Psalm.Rev. Modestus Dike
Born on June 13, 1981, Rev. Modestus Ugochukwu Dike felt the call to the priesthood from a tender age. Following his elementary school, and after studying in Mater Ecclesiae Minor Seminary, Nigeria, for six years until 1998, Modestus worked at his family's music studio, nurturing his creative talents and learning the values of hard work and collaboration from 1999 till 2002.
In 2003, he experienced a pivotal spiritual awakening during a canonical year retreat at St. Mulumba's Seminary. That profound encounter with God renewed his commitment to pursue the priesthood. He entered the Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Nigeria, in 2004, where he studied philosophy until 2008.
The following year, he gained real-world experience in parish life and community engagement. He then resumed seminary life to study Theology at the Spiritan International School of Theology of the Holy Spirit from 2012 to 2017. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Sacred Theology, conferred through Catherine Duquesne University in Pennsylvania, USA.
In 2016, Modestus moved to the United States, seeking to deepen his experience of the universal Church. From 2017 to 2024, he worked humbly at a friend’s auto repair and detailing company in California. These years of labor were not a detour, but part of God’s preparation, teaching him humility, patience, and the value of everyday work. It was during this period that he had a life-changing encounter with the Most Rev. Jerome Feudjio, Bishop of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
His vocational journey took on a fresh impetus. After due discernment and accompaniment, he was instituted in the ministries of Lector and Acolyte in 2024 as part of his preparation for ordination into the ministerial Priesthood.Pastoral Engagement
While Rev. Dike continued his discernment in the Diocese of St Thomas, he did his canonical year in Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. He was part of various ministries, including the exercise of the ministry of acolyte and participation in the music ministry, where he played the piano and assisted with singing during Eucharistic celebrations.
He likewise served as a faculty member (Master of Discipline) and teacher for Middle and High School in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School for the academic year 2024/2025.
As of the date of his ordination as transition Deacon, there was no indication yet of a new assignment for Deacon Modestus.More on the Event:
Click on any of these links for more in this event:
See Photo Gallery on Facebook
Watch the Live Event on Vimeo