Papal actions 2/9/09
February 10, 2009
VATICAN CITY, 9 FEB 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Appointed Fr. Callistus Valentine Onaga, administrator of the cathedral and vicar general of Enugu, Nigeria, as bishop of the same diocese (area 2,738, population 2,160,664, Catholics 1,286,096, priests 268, religious 676). The bishop-elect was born in Agbudu, Nigeria in 1958 and ordained a priest in 1987. He succeeds Bishop Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Giovanni Amici, vice director of the General Services of the Governorate of Vatican City State, as director of the same institution.
- Luigi Salimbeni, official of the Ordinary Section of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), as director for telecommunications of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
On Saturday 7 February it was made public that he:
- Appointed Fr. Francisco Javier Stegmeier Schmidlin of the clergy of the diocese of Los Angeles, Chile, rector of the metropolitan seminary of Concepcion, as bishop of Villarrica (area 18,630, population 391,000, Catholics 274,000, priests 50, permanent deacons 12, religious 177), Chile. The bishop-elect was born in Los Angeles, Chile in 1962 and ordained a priest in 1988. He succeeds Bishop Sixto Jose Parzinger Foidl O.F.M. Cap., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
- Appointed Archbishop James Patrick Green, apostolic to nuncio to South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia, as apostolic nuncio to Botswana.
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APPRECIATION AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH IN NIGERIA.
I wish to thank God for the growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. May I humbly appreciate also the fatherly gesture of the Holy Father, in elevating Fr Callistus Valentine Onaga into the episcopacy, as the Chief Shepherd of Enugu Diocese. This is actually a noble call and task, but the grace of God will sustain him till the end. I also wish to appreciate the services of the Emeritus Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev Dr Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji. May God Continue to strengthen him with good health of mind and body.
Long live the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.
Long live Emeritus Bishop of Enugu.
Long live Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev Dr Callistus Valentine Onaga.
Long live the Pope.
From, Rev Fr Paul Ikechukwu Ogujioffor, Okigwe Diocesan priest, presently studying Theological Liturgy at Pontificia Universita’ della Santa Croce Roma.
i must say that im proud of the cathlic prist for the good example they are showing the wolrd. we did not hear of any blood shared throughout the selection of the Bishop may GOD bless you all.
i met the then Fr Callistus Onaga face to face once at Holy Ghost cathedral when i went to solicit for my bank to instal an ATM machine in the cathedral, they way he attended to me made me wish i was a priest. his humility and sense of humor is highly commendable. Enugu diocese is very lucky to have him as Bishop. God Bless Bishop Callistus Valentine Onaga.
from Valentine Cj Obi, UBA plc, Ogbete Enugu.
YOU TOO GO INTO MY VINEYARD: THE YEAR OF THE PRIESTS 2009 IN OKIGWE DIOCESE BY REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR (SUMMER 2009 AT CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA MANZANO – UDINE ARCIDIOCESI ITALIA)
As the Catholics world over were celebrating the year of the priests as declared by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, Okigwe Diocese in Nigeria graced this year with the sacerdotal ordination of twenty two (22) priests to work in the vineyard of the Lord. Since the creation of Okigwe Diocese in 1981 from Umuahia Diocese, this year of the priests 2009 records the greatest number of ordination of priests ever had in the diocese.
This year 2009 is the first time a Cardinal is ordaining a large number of priests for the diocese of Okigwe in her soil and second time a Vatican official is presiding in such occasion in Okigwe. The first time was on 9th September 1995, when the then Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò (now Secretary of the Governatorate of Vatican City of State) ordained the 1995 set of priests at St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Okigwe, under the then Bishop Most Rev Dr Anthony Ekezie Ilonu (now Bishop emeritus of Okigwe). On Saturday, the memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 22nd August 2009, the Igbo Nigerian born Cardinal from Eziowelle Onitsha Archdiocese, His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, and Prefect Emeritus Congregation of the Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments ordained eighteen (18) priests at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Okigwe.
After the ordination on 22nd August 2009, the blessings by the newly ordained were as follows:
1) Rev Fr Ambrose Kela blessed the Cardinal, the ordaining prelate.
2) Rev Fr Henry Ezeonuogu blessed the Bishops (the ordinary and the emeritus).
3) Rev Fr Innocent Obasi blessed the priests, seminarians, religious men and women.
4) Rev Fr Romanus Okoli blessed the lay faithful.
The first Holy Masses of the newly ordained which supposed to be the next day Sunday was shifted by the Bishop from Monday 24th August onward, owing to the fact that the next day Sunday 23rd August 2009, there was a diocesan ceremony. On this day 23rd August 2009, His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze dedicated Immaculate Heart Parish Alike-Obowo under the Parish Priest Rev Fr Dr Christopher Ogu (Episcopal vicar of Etiti Zone and the Dean Obowo Deanary), who providentially is also an indigene of the same parish. By this dedication by the Cardinal, the parish became the first to be dedicated in the diocese since the creation of the Diocese of Okigwe 1981.
It should also be noted that this year 2009, St. Charles Borromeo Spiritual Year Seminary Ehime Okigwe Diocese will be twenty (20) years under the able and dynamic Rector Very Rev Fr Dr Cyprian Uchechukwu Okoronkwo. At its 20th year of existence in the year of the priests, she recorded the greatest number of her past students being ordained in the same year. Let us re-echo with the Psalmist: Non nobis Domine non nobis sed tua nome datur gloria.
I wish to acknowledge the spiritual effort of Very Rev Msgr Luke Onyekachukwu Ilonu (Spiritual Director, St. Peter’s Seminary Okigwe and the pioneer Rector of the Seminary) for the retreat he preached to the deacons before their ordinations on different dates. The Vocation Director, Very Rev Fr Dr Michael Ajuziogu Agbayi deserves a worthy commendation for his continuous efforts to seminarians and the deacons all these years of his service. Oh God reward abundantly all who have contributed in no small measure for the training and formation of the newly ordained priests. We owe much appreciations to their parents, guardians, benefactors, benefactresses and their formators in Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu, St. Joseph’s Major Seminary Ikot Ekpene, Seat of Wisdom Seminary Owerri and Philippines’ Seminary where Rev Fr Basil Onyejuruwa (of Nunya Isikwuato) did his Theological studies and part of his Philosophical studies too.
We cannot forget the impact which our cradle and junior seminaries: St. Peter’s Seminary Ihitte (now St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary Ihitte) and St. Peter’s Seminary Okigwe had on our newly ordained priests. To our past and present Vocation Directors, rectors and formators in our junior seminaries, we are highly indebted to them for their sacrifices, Oh God be their portion and cup always.
The following candidates were ordained this year, at these places, on and by:
A: St. Anthony’s Parish in building Umuezeala Nsu on Saturday 15th August 2009, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Most Rev Dr Solomon. A. Amatu (Bishop of Okigwe)
1) Rev Fr Patrick Njoku – Nzerem Ikpem Ehime
2) Rev Fr Joseph Duru – Umuezeala Nsu Ehime
B: Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Okigwe on Saturday 22nd August 2009, Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze (Prefect Emeritus Congregation of the Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments)
Rev Fr Kelechi Uzuegbu - Umualumaku Ehime
1) Rev Fr Joseph Ogbuagu – Isiebu Umuduru Osu-Achara Isiala Mbano
2) Rev Fr Innocent Obasi – Ibeme Ugiri Isiala Mbano
3) Rev Fr Gregory Nduka – Obollo Ugiri Isiala Mbano
4) Rev Fr Daniel Ibemere – Amaraku Ugiri Isiala Mbano
5) Rev Fr Joseph Añumnu – Okwelle Onuimo
6) Rev Fr Leonard Ewuzie - Umuduruegbeaguru Onuimo
7) Rev Fr Damian Iwundu – Umualumaku Ehime
9) Rev Fr ThankGod Okoroafor – Alike Obowo
10) Rev Fr Anthony Nwankwo – Ndiogbuonyeoma Arondizuogu
11) Rev Fr Romanus Okoli – Lokpaukwu Umuchieze
12) Rev Fr Jude Okeoma – Ndundu-Uturu
13) Rev Fr Ambrose Kela – Acha Isikwuato
14) Rev Fr Hilary Ubah – Eluama Isikwuato
15) Rev Fr Basil Onyejuruwa – Nunya Isikwuato
16) Rev Fr Henry Ezeonuogu – Amaesi Aguta L.G.A. Awka Diocese
17) Rev Fr Cyril Agodi – Owerre Akokwa Ideato Orlu Diocese
18) Rev Fr Godwin Ekeh – Ogwa Amakohia Ikeduru Owerri Archdiocese
C: Our Lady of Fatima Parish Isikwuato on Sunday 30th August 2009 by Most Rev Dr Solomon. A. Amatu (Bishop of Okigwe)
1) Rev Fr Anthony Dieme – Our Lady of Fatima Isikwuto
D: Christ the King Church Parish Ubulu Orlu L.G.A. Orlu Diocese on Saturday 5th September 2009, Memorial of the Blessed Theresa of Calcutta by Most Rev Dr Solomon. A. Amatu (Bishop of Okigwe)
1) Rev Fr John Ifebigbo – Christ the King Church Parish Ubulu Orlu Diocese
The office of the Catholic sacred priesthood is that of total trust and dependent on God by the candidate for the priesthood, for it is a Mystery of Incarnate Paschal continuity. This involves a sincere love of the vocation by the priest, hence summarized in his daily and continuous sacrifices, obedience and holiness of life. The acceptance of initial and subsequent postings and apostolate after ordination is a sure means of happiness in the priestly service and life, for our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
As priests let us always imitate Christ the Eternal priest, who has given us the privilege to share in the celebration of his sacramental mysteries. Hence, we ought to be in union with him in our daily lives and in relationship with his faithful people that we may continuously bring to them the mystery of Christ’s presence in our words and actions.
The profound and meditative words of the ordination exhortations ought to be re-echoing often times in our ears and hearts as an ALTER CHRISTI: Believe what you teach, practice what you believe and imitate the mystery you celebrate. This imitation ought to be holistic and integral each moment and every where we find ourselves. The practice brings, shows, and shines out the life of Christ in us as an individual priest because we are acting IN PERSONA CHRISTI. Our daily lives as priests ought to be a continuity of our seminary formation.
By our desires to enter and be properly in the seminary for the formation therein for the Catholic sacred priesthood, we are automatically by faith, moral, spiritual and otherwise incapacitated to do our will, rather the will of He whom we are to represent, Christ the High and Eternal priest. Ipso facto, the will of the Church on us, made manifest in the rules and regulations of the seminary and consequently the authority over us even after ordination ought to be followed religiously and piously too. This brings out the issue of obedience, sacrifice and holiness of life throughout our lives as priests.
Long live the Catholic Church
Long live the Pope
Long live the Bishop of Okigwe and his emeritus.
Long live the Okigwe Diocesan priests, seminarians and religious
Long live the Lay faithful.
FROM, REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR, AMALATO AKU-OKIGWE
REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR (UMUIHE AMALATO AKU-OKIGWE) OF OKIGWE DIOCESE, MY 10TH PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY VIS-À-VIS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, TODAY 7TH AUGUST 2009 AT CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA MANZANO-UDINE ITALIA
I am well aware of the facts (SACRIFICE, OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS OF LIFE) that were involved and expected of me as a Catholic priest,
I deliberately desired and accepted to be ordained a priest,
I rigorously followed the trainings therein in the seminary formation,
Then, on Saturday 7th August 1999 when I was called up within the ordination liturgical ceremony, I answered: I AM PRESENT, READY AND WILLING.
Behold there was an ovation and clapping by the faithful present,
But did I really understand the significant of that gesture?
How have I been responding to this call within these ten years in the priesthood?
How devoted, spiritual, conscientious, holy and morally uplifting have I been?
My motto is SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM (THAT PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE CHRIST IN MY LIFE),
Is there any thing Christ-like in me within these years?
How many people do I think have experienced Christ with my presence among them within these years?
Am I conscious within these ten years, of the ordination exhortation of: BELIEVE WHAT YOU PREACH, PRACTICE WHAT YOU TEACH AND IMITATE THE MYSTERY YOU CELEBRATE?
Within these ten years, how sincerely and positively have I responded to I AM PRESENT for the people of God when I was dearly needed for a particular liturgical celebration?
For those times I WAS PRESENT, how READY and PREPARED was I for the celebration?
How WILLINGLY have I been performing my priestly assignments without grudges and murmuring in these past ten years?
What has always preoccupied my mind primarily before each liturgical activity?
I now put before my whole life as a priest within these ten years vis-à-vis the ten commandments of God:
1) How sincerely have I been in professing my faith in God or have I been very foolish and egocentric, trying to let me be known instead of giving God the highest worship in what I do as a priest?
Oh Lord what did you see in me?
I am the least of all men,
Depraved of your knowledge,
Not worthy to stand in your altar yet YOU called me.
2) How uncountable have I unnecessarily called the name of God in vain, especially among those whom I suppose to teach and lead?
Oh what is special in me?
I cannot find anything spiritually uplifting,
No moral probity to be reckoned with,
Yet YOU are insistent in choosing me Lord.
3) How often have I planned or executed unholy acts on these days consecrated by the Lord, even before or after the liturgical celebrations?
I am nothing and worthless,
A wretched creature as I am,
A sinner of the highest order,
Yet Lord, you called me for the vocation of sanctification.
4) How often have I understood that ordination symbolic gesture when I folded my hands and put them into that of the Bishop kneeling while he held me and asked: DO YOU PROMISE OBEDIENCE TO ME AND MY SUCCESSORS? I answered: YES I DO. He said: MAY GOD WHO STARTED THIS GOOD WORK IN YOU BRING IT TO FULFILLMENT; and I answered AMEN. For these years how direct or indirect have I involve myself in disobedience to God in the Church?
Human nature abhors stillness,
Man by nature is an enemy to calmness,
Human beings are in constant turmoil, I have involved myself in that, being in warfare with HIM who made me,
Yet Lord, you called me.
5) The tongue is deadly than death in a negative form. How many times have I killed or pronounced deadly words against others, many a time in their absence?
Lord Jesus, as you hang on the cross for me,
Look not on my selfish desires and ambitions,
My thoughts are full of distracted imaginations,
Permit me to share in your divine silence, for YOU have called me to the priesthood.
6) The sin of scandal is always deadly. How many times have I been scandalous directly or indirectly? Have I been faithful to the promise of holiness of life which I ought to keep?
The mystery of Good Friday is a form of contradiction to man’s likings,
Man prefers freedom in his search to be engaged,
This engagement which suppose to be Christological are thwarted by immorality and deliberate cum conscious spiritual debasement,
I am not worthy Lord yet YOU called me.
7) Have I been able to secure the Church’s property or do I take advantage of my position and try to confiscate them for my useless and selfish gain?
O Lord, by my sins continue to renew your wounds,
The blood and water from your sides are the great signs of my salvation,
Yet each time I deliberately contaminate them with my stupidity in sin,
Yet, what is my being that YOU care for always?
O Lord, your death is LOVE for me,
Yet, I abhor this divine gesture by my sins,
I am in continuous dislike and abhorrence of your love to me,
May I understand that I ought to be saved as well for YOU called me also to be saved.
9) How do I see or regard woman in and outside the Church walls?
By your mystery Lord, you raised me to the highest point as a human,
Lord, you allowed me to be configured in your priesthood,
You drew me to yourself as to share in your power of creation,
This power of creation, I, mere and wretched creature exercises in my priestly duties daily in the church.
10) Have I been destructive with things that come my way?
In my negligence, insensitivity and insensibility Lord forgive me for YOU called me. Look not on my fragility Oh Lord. May the proclamation of the paschal mystery continuously done in the Eucharistic prayers ever change your people for good.
I wish at this juncture, to reflect over my priestly life also in relation to the meanings of the ten names of my brothers and sisters:
MARY (8 Sept.) THE LADY LOVED BY GOD – What type of love do I always express when I meet ladies?
1) ROSELINE (17 January) AS GNAWED OR FAIRED AS GNAWED - Was my life as tight or strong as bone in matters that are so direct with my priestly identity?
2) PAULINA (7 June) TINY – How humble have I been, knowing my nothingness before God.
3) JOHN (30 March) GOD IS MERCIFUL – How merciful have I been to those who have wrong me directly or those who have been indifferent from whatever I do?
4) BONIFACE (5 June) OF THE THINGS DONE WELL OR PROMISING DESTINY – Have I been doing my assignments well or how may times have I been able to educate people on what destiny ought to be among Christians or God’s promise to them?
5) PAUL (25 Jan., 29 June) SMALL – How sincerely have I acknowledged the greatness of God, the great talents of others and not to be proud?
6) RAPHAEL (29 Sept.) GOD HEALS – In my priestly ministry, how often and readily do I heal people in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
7) PHILOMENA (5 July) LOVED WOMAN – Do I show genuine love to people that come my way?
9) EMMANUEL (21 March) GOD IS WITH US – How often am I available to people, bearing in mind that I suppose to be among them always for the exercising of my priestly duties?
10) PETER (22 Feb., 29 June) ROCK – Have I been able strengthen people’s faith by my celebration of the liturgy, thereby consolidating their faith in God?
From April 2008 till date, I have received emails and text messages on different occasions exhorting me on one thing or another, how faithful have I been to these words directed to me, reflecting over my whole life as a priest within these 10 years in the priesthood?
You must have reached the unitive stage of spirituality.
…
Fr. Paschal
…
Add Monday, April 14, 2008 3:20:49 AM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Dear Fr. Paul,
Congratulations to all of us on the special gift of our priesthood. I was amazed at the depth of your reflection and the inspired words that came out of that reflection. I thought, as I began reading the reflection that you were quoting a Mystic, a Father of the Church, or one of the Saints -not knowing that the inspiring words were as a result of your own reflection. I thank you very much for sharing it with us. There is no doubt you have reached the Unitive stage of spirituality.
You taught in the seminary and are aware of the three stages of the spiritual ladder: Purgative, Contemplative, and Unitive stages. Did you know that by that reflection, you spoke for many of us? What did God see in me that He chose me? I am very weak, can hardly resist temptation of the flesh, can hardly pray much, can hardly spend more than 5 minutes in meditation, can hardly spend one hour a week before the Blessed Sacrament. Didn’t God see all this before He still called me? It’s an enigma to me. In fact, you had me in mind when you wrote: “What is special in me? I cannot find any thing spiritually uplifting, no moral probity to be reckoned with, yet you are insistent in choosing me.” I wonder why you wrote, “yet you are insistent in choosing me,” when He had already chosen us.
I take consolation in God’s words, Exodus 33.19: “Lord, I who show favours to whom I will, I who grant mercy on whom I will.” Who are we to question God? I am resigned to His Holy Will.
All I pray and plead is that God may help me to be less unworthy of His call, & that I don’t take His special gift to me -my priesthood — for granted. Once again, thank you very much for giving me a food for thought on this 4th Sunday of Easter.
Yours in the Risen Lord,
Fr. Paschal U. Onunwa
2008.
Standard Header
ogun p,De Formator
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Chimaobi F
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Add Tuesday, August 5, 2008 6:07:46 PM
To:[email protected]
Someone was seen trying to employ every alternative to inculcate virtues into his students, but the students out of ignorance, tagged him WICKED.
He shouted, gyrated and flogged. BEHOLD THE TEACHER.
He was seen during games overseeing offenders’ punitive measures. BEHOLD THE DISCIPLINARIAN.
He breezed past the corridor, only to resurface on the altar stage doing/giving what he obtained freely. BEHOLD THE PRIEST.
You dare not distract him during function with his breviary. BEHOLD THE SPIRITUAL BEING.
He was later seen in the midst of both fellow black and white students scrambling for more knowledge .BEHOLD THE FORMANDEE.
You zealousness, though exaggerated sometimes, is seriously needed by the Church.
God loves u.
Your seminarian,
Petercanisus Chimaobi Uwakwe. August 2008
Email: Hello Padre
There was a priest that I meet, a priest with a less word but when in anger believes in quamprimum corrections, a priest that teaches with perfect principle of excellent quality of good leadership thus, “DO AS I DO AND NOT DO AS I SAID” a priest that recognize that talents are gifts but what people admire is nothing more than GOD acting through him. A priest that spend more time listening, a priest that do not feign when people recognizes his achievement and acknowledges those who have helped him. The only priest that spend more time in studying the behaviour and talent of others both his levels and the under levels. The only priest that is always considering his impact of negative attitude on people around him because he believes fully that it may prevent them from doing there best and living their lives fully, even when people with negative attitude are with him, he will avoid close contact with them until he gathers enough and strong morale to deflect their pessimism. The only priest that can speak clearly, distinctly and confidently, a priest that has excellent forgiveness when people wrong him, the only priest that always wear seat belt every time he is driving. A priest that eats three well balanced meals each day, fruits, vegetables and plenty of water. A priest that use to make sure he have enough deep breathing during the day to keep sufficient oxygen in the blood, the only priest that uses silence and pauses in his speech the same way he uses punctuation in writing communication. The priest that always has himself in mind, his office as a priest and uses prayers to complete the remaining three classes of food.
Now the question “who is this priest that uses prayers as food, possesses the excellent quality of a good leader”.
Answer has it to be no other priest than YOU REV.FATHER PAUL OGUJIOFFOR. The priest that can articulate distinctly. Take care of yourself bye 4 now your son. Nnaemeka Okoye August 2008
From David Okolie and Joseph Okoye
Excellent leader
…
Okoye Joseph
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View Friday, August 8, 2008 12:48:30 PM
To:[email protected]
Dearest padre ogun ‘Tu est sarcedos in aeternum’.father you are an epitome of wisdom, faithful which has an origin from ABRAHAM.
Fr. ikechukwu you are an intellectual guard.
Fr. Paul you are a religious pundict.
Fr. ogun, nobody can resist your transforming nature.
Nobody remains the same after staying with you
Fr. Paul you are transforming indeed
Fr. ogun your words synchronize with your action.
Fr. ogun you possesses all that it takes to b a priest.
Fr. iyke you are a transformer and a formator.
Fr. Paul your spirituality sets (pace) example for our priests and seminarians.
Fr. Paul when you were at St. Peter’s you really influenced all and sundry.
Padre ogun your smiles keeps us viable all through
Padre iyke your seminarians feared you and yet loved you.
Padre Paul you are a disciplinarian,
Fr. Iyke you are non-materialistic but a peace maker
Padre you are rich in wisdom and creativity
Your teachings, actions and life synchronizes with the norms of the church
Padre Iyke, I am yet to define you if am to write on you, it will take me some years, because you are so indefinable that no words that will be appropriate to define you have not been discovered.
Fr. Paul you are indeed a priest.
Padre ogun you are a model to all priests and seminarians, in fact you are a liturgical funatic.
Padre Paul the only priest that love simplicity, sincerity, sang-frigidity and epitome of sensationalism.
Fr. Iyke you sensitivity nature had made you to be a priest of all people.
Fr. Paul simplicity had made you to win all heart and with that the study and put down everything surrounding the person ranging from names, English, Igbo and confirmation, parents, brothers and sisters if any, village, relations are not excluded.
A Magnus priest, a priest that nobody born by woman can study or know the nature. People believe that studying you is like trekking to graves on foot because of hardness and sufferings surrounding it they find it difficult to do that. But I have singled myself out to trek without sentiment, however here are the results of my sufferings, padre you are Magnus richly and nourish in creativity, fully embrace in your creative self, love solving his problem creatively, you awaking your creative genius that has been asleep within you possesses and clothed with creative sensitivity. People may see you as a person who claims to know all but within you, you know that you are not a scit omnia but you do things excellently. You follow your dreams and stars bomber to bomber you are as gentle as dove, but wise as serpent you take decisions sagaciously, your actions as priest is in line with that of Christ.
Padre ikechukwu, please continue to embrace these enviable qualities and never allow the enemies of success to steal any from you.
Padre Paul you are blessed beyond doubt.
Fr. ikechukwu Paul ogujioffor you are my mentor and my model your beloved son JOSEPH remain cool. August 2008
Hello padre
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Okoye Joseph
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View Saturday, August 23, 2008 2:40:33 PM
To:[email protected]
As I travel through this wide world,
through large valley and oceans,
through high pitched mountains
through sufferings of seminary as a new intake
through a wonderful rules and regulations of seminary
through your excellent police
you are always in my heart.
To get you was my hardest task
during those periods; I was bereft of peace of mind
I wondered in the deserts of studying your nature in search of knowing you properly.
Through all labyrinth I searched to behold your directions
But when I found you
when I behold your glamour face
when you gave the positive nod
peace, joy, happiness was restored to my despaired soul
The moment I saw you and your advice
you opened my eyes of love.
Love I use to take all hardship of people
I began to see the goodness of letting people suffer with me
as I have never done before.
My nature forbids me letting people know my mind and sufferings.
When I remember you at night
when I remember the sweet advice and times we spend together
when I behold your floggings
my joy reaches sky.
Hearing you are going out
I loose my mind
heart breaks like oil-bean
please come and quench this my thirst of love, come and satisfy my gap of advice
for in you all goods abound
in you love with out conditional and advice is limitless
To almighty take glory in you
thank GOD also for your accepting me as one of your friends, As I travel through this wide world,
through large valleys and oceans,
through high pitched mountains
through sufferings of seminary as a new intake
through a wonderful rules and regulations of seminary
through your excellent police
you are always in my heart.
To get you was my hardest task
during those periods; I was bereft of peace of mind
I wondered in the deserts of studying your nature in search of knowing you properly.
Through all labyrinth I searched to behold your directions
But when I found you
when I behold your glamour face
when you gave the positive nod
peace, joy, happiness was restored to my despaired soul
The moment I saw you and your advice
you opened my eyes of love.
Love I use to take all hardship of people
I began to see the goodness of letting people suffer with me
as I have never done before.
My nature forbids me letting people know my mind and sufferings.
When I remember you at night
when I remember the sweet advice and times we spend together
when I behold your floggings
my joy reaches sky.
hearing you are going out
I loose my mind
heart breaks like oil-bean
please come and quench this my thirst of love, come and satisfy my gap of advice
for in you all goods abound
in you love with out conditional and advice is limitless
To almighty take glory in you
thank GOD also for your accepting me as one of your friends, brother, son and cousin.
Brother, son and cousin.
SMS
Grazie don Paul saluti a tutti a Montevergine. DON LUCA SALACCA – 22/12/08 20:11:15 PM
See how special you are to me, that I came by ship just to wish you a lovely Xmas and New Year. IBEH UZOCHUKWU – 24/12/08 02:32:10 AM
I saw you this morning at joyful street, crossing to the favour bus stop. You were later given a ride by blessing and finally dropped by victory garden near Life Avenue. IBEH NICHOLAS – 24/12/08 11:17:09 AM
Thanks for remembering me. I wish you and family God’s protection throughout this festive period. It’s well in the name of Jesus. Amen IBEH ANAYO – 24/12/08 11:17:17 AM
The epitome of simplicity! May the joy of Xmas and New Year bring you more favours in the Lord’s vineyard. BE A CATHOLIC PRIEST AMONG MANY REV. FRS. Thanks for your care. I love you as God loves you the more. Feel good! IBEH MUNACHI – 24/12/08 14:13:38 PM
Grazie don…è bellissimo! Non mancherà la mia preghiera..unita alla tua il signore non mancherà di concedermi la grazia così che io con l’aiuto di Dioimparo da Maria SS. Maestra di vita. Amen. SIGNORA PALMA RICCIONE – 27/12/08 20:12:32 PM
As we step into the now year, I dedicate my 1st Holy Mass of the year to your spiritual and material break through. Be assured that Jesus loves you. I love you too. FR MARK OKORO (ONOPRA) – 31/12/08 19:53:37 PM
My dear Fr. Paul, I remembered you today. May God’s Spirit guide you in your academic adventures as He guided Saint Paul during his missionary adventures. Amen. FR SEVERINUS NDUGWA – 25/01/09 13:26:15 PM
Dearest Fr. Paul words cannot express the joy I have as being part of you. I beg Almighty God to keep you and guide you as you add one more year. Happy birthday. SR ANN IBEH – 05/02 09 22:44:39 PM
Thank you so much big brother. I will think of you in a very special way that day. How are you? Hope cool, do have a wonderful day. SR FRANCA IFOH 06/02/09 13:43:38 PM
Thank God for adding one more year to your life. Happy birthday. How old are you? We are happy for you, Chilee, mum and others wish you many more prosperous years. MRS AGNES ONYEJELAM – 06/02/09 22:13:58 AM
As you step into the New Year, I wish you God’s blessing and Divine protection. You are remembered in a special way today. Happy birthday. A grace filled New Year. Thank God for your life, do enjoy your day. SR FRANCA IFOH 07/02/09 05:15:16 AM
Father I wish you happy birthday. May God bless you. SR MARY AKOSIM 07/02/09 06:18:24 AM
Boungiorno….E boun compleann. Ti ricordo oggi nella santa messa della 8 bacibaci. SIGNORA PALMA RICCIONE 07/02/09 07:33:50 AM
Padre, ka emume-cheta omumu gi, wetara gi ihunanys, oganihu, eze-ochi, ahu-ike, na ogologo ndu. Nke kacha nke, ka o wetara gi udo nke mkpuru obi n’adina mma n’ihu Chukwu. Ya mee. ISAAC IFEANYICHUKWU NWAGBOSO (ONOPRA) 07/02/09 09:06:14 AM
With fulfilled joy I welcome you into this wonderful new age. It’s time for great fulfillment more than you ever expected, just relax and see your desire. Cheers. Happy birthday, Padre. FRANK UCHECHI (UYEE) ONYEJELAM 07/02/09 10:02:46 PM
OJI JI JIDE MMA said he will always remember to give you your share, OCHIRI OZOO will supply all your needs; DIKE N’AGHA will fight for you. IKUKU AMA NONYA will deliver you from the enemies’ trap, OZOWARA OLAA will make you untouchable, OKWARA UZU N’IKPA will make a way for you; OJE NA MUO will make a wage your spiritual warfare, OBU NGWO-NGWO will take your burden away, EBUBE-DIKE will hide you under the canopy of SHEKINAH glory, EZE-UDO will grant you an unprecedented peace, say Amen. Happy birthday. BASIL CHUKWUMA OGUJIOFFOR 07/02/09 14:32:50 PM
Fr, we enjoy you to celebrate this happy moment of yours, we are all happy because the Lord has added 356 days to you. We wish AD MULTOS ANNOS in the Lord’s vineyard. Happy birthday FR OGUN. From myself, my husband, EZINNE and DE BOYZ. MRS UWAKWE 07/02/09 19:47:43 PM
Oh Fr, we talked about you today. See how minds of the beloved ones work together!! You are always in our mind. I will pray for you!!! I wish you happy birthday! May you celebrate it a million times in future. Bye. MRS ALICE UCHE 07/02/09 20:25:48 PM
Carissimo mio, happy birthday. I’m going to celebrate Mass for you and your parents (one on earth and another in heaven). Please open the message I gave you. I’m sure you know its owner. Blessings. FR SEVERINUS NDUGWA 08/02/09 06:44:26 AM
My brother, may the good Lord increase his love in your life as we celebrate the feast of SS CYRIL, METHODIUS & VALENTINE. I remembered you with love.Fr. Shala. Italy. FR GEOFFERY MADUABUCHI EBOH 13/02/09 21:19:08 PM
I wish you happy Val and God abundant blessing all the days of your life. SR MARY OLUCHI AGU 14/02/09 07:00:21 AM
It’s a season for love, so show love, give love….eat love…talk of love…think of love…look for love….and show love its all about love. Happy Val. SR ANN IBEH 14/02/09 10:26:32 AM
This is a special day for special people like you and if one spends the whole of the day without thinking of people like you then today is incomplete. Just to say happy val. JOY UZOAMAKA CHUKWUEKEZIE 14/02/09 10:40:16 AM
Happy Val’s Day. May you be enriched with the love of God now and forever more Amen. Meg. MRS UWAKWE MEG. 14/02/09 18:42:21 PM
{‘’’’VALENTINE’’’’} ‘’’@’’’’@ ‘’’’I DESIGNED THIS VAL AR FOR YOU TO RIDE TO GOD’S FAVOU, JOY, DIVINE POWER AND WISDOM**HAPPY VALENTINE. REGIS. REGIS CHIDI ONWUDIWE 14/02/09 19:12:17
Oggi mio figlio Filippo compie 21 anni…grazie x la preghiera che certo non mancherà…baci baci SIGNORA PLAMA RICCIONE 21/02/09 08:23:25 AM
Grazie don… 6molto gentile..allora!..PALMA 13.3.60, CESARE 29.9.51, FEDERICO 28.3.84, FILIPPO 21.2.88, FRANCESCO 13.10.91. Dio ti benedica e ricolmi dei suoi santi doni.AMEN. SIGNORA PALMA RICCIONE 21/02/09 11:12:00 AM
Happy memorial death of our Lord Jesus. On this Lent, I wish to share with you the joy of charity. Be assured of my prayer and remain bless. Yours, SOLOMON JONAS 27/02/09 21:50:19 PM
Grazie x il ricordo ma sopratutto x la preghiera….il boun Dio ti ricompenserà…SIGNORA PALMA RICCIONE 13/03/09 07:14:29 AM
Your joy will be forever, victory songs won’t cease from your mouth, and each new day will bring you closer to your destiny in Christ. Have a fun filled day. Hope you are fine? AMARACHI ONWUDIWE 19/03/09 08:22:05 AM
Ma tu 6 un ANGELO!! Grazie e baci baci. PALMA RICCIONE 21/03/09 14:26:16 PM
Grazie don…che Dio ti benedica.. PALMA RICCIONE 28/03/09 11:08:40 AM
As we commemorate the institution of the sacred priesthood and as you renew your priestly vow today, I wish you a happy feast day and many more yours in God’s vineyard. UWAKWE CHIBUIKE 09/04/09 (Holy Thursday while I was in Montevergine) 08:01:39 AM
Thanks dear Great Mentor. We also had ours today. I explained myself to your brother (Papa Ephrem) today. He was happy. Mmachi had put to bed a baby boy. Your pix were great. We owe ourselves prayers. J’apprecie tout les choss du vous. Merci et bonnuit! MUNACHI IBEH 09/04/09 (Holy Thursday while I was in Montevergine) 22:11:10 PM
This is a season to pray, to love, to care, to smile, to relax and to thank God for the gift of SALVATION. HAPPY EASTER. STANLEY NDUBUISI OKAFOR 11/04/09 (Holy Saturday while in Montevergine) 10:48:35 AM
Grazie don…Questa sera sarò madrina della piccolo DOMINIQUE che sarà battezzata…baci baci. PALMA RICCIONE 11/04/09 (Holy Saturday while Montevergine) 21:13:05 PM
Mille grazie caro mio e bouna pasqua anche a te. FR MIKE AGBAYI 12/04/09 (EASTER SUNDAY while in Montevergine) 00:14:21 AM
May the RISEN CHRIST bless you with what you prayed for; REWARD you with what you WORKED for; GRANT you what you HOPED for and SURPRISE you with what you have NOT ASKED for. He is out for your joy. Happy Easter. SR ANN IBEH 12/04/09 (EASTER SUNDAY while in Montevergine) 10:13:44 AM
At the chaotic moment of our life, if we pray and reflect under the shadow of the cross of Christ, our dark days will become great days, for the providence of God presides over human affairs, and may the Almighty god keep you from all harm and bless you with every good gift. Ututu oma na Sunday oma. FR AGOWUIKE ONYEDIKACHUKWU (TOFA) 10/05/09 06:02:09 AM
Oggi è l onomastico di mio nipote MATTIA ti prego x un ricordo nella Santa Messa. Baci baci. PALMA RICCIONE 14/05/09 12:57:38 PM
Fada, am 100% grateful may the Almighty God abundantly reward you, you have really surprised me, my mum is very grateful too. IMMACULATE ONYINYE LEWEANYA 26/05/09 22:04:02 PM
Your joy will not be once upon a time, victory song will not cease from your mouth, and each new day will bring you closer to the fullness of your destiny. Have a blissful day. NICHOLAS CHIGOZIE IBEH 12/06/09 11:09:47 AM
Good luck. You will come out in flying colours. FR PATRICK UGWAKA (ONOPRA) 14/06/09 10:13:01 AM
Joy @ its peak, grace @ its depth, peace @ its horizon, blessings @ its pinnacle, favour more than your expectation. This will be your package this day and always. Happy feast day. NICHOLAS CHIGOZIE IBEH 29/06/09 (SS PETER & PAUL) 08:30:09 AM
As you celebrate your feast day, I asked the Good Lord to bless, wisdomize, and crown all your good wishes with resounding success. IGNATIUS NDUBUISI 29/06/09 08:52:45 AM
Happy feast day. I prayed for you. Hope you are fine. I wish you the best. Ciao SR JULIET (PASSIONIST) 29/06/09 18:31:31 PM
Thanks dear brother for such kind thoughts. We thank God for being kind to us. May my great parents enjoy His presence nel cielo. Missing you today! FR SEVERINUS NDUGWA 15/07/09 06:07:18 AM
Grazie! Veramente grazie. Mandi (Ciao) IRENE BATTISTUTTA 16/07/09 17:54:08 PM
I saw you last night at joyful street crossing to the favour bus stop. You were later given ride by blessing and finally dropped by victory garden long life avenue. It’s NICHOLAS CHIGOZIE IBEH 21/07/09 06:46:48 AM
Tantissime grazie carissimo mio. Io sono molto grato. FR SEVERINUS NDUGWA 24/07/09 09:36:31 AM
If our gratitude to God for whatever he sends to us is sincere and spontaneous, it will provide us to recognize His gift and to appreciate their true values in a deeper sense, as sign of His love for us. May His love, care and protection continue to guide us throughout this week. Amen. Happy Sunday. FR AGOWUIKE (TOFA) 26/07/09 06:10:34 AM
I’m so happy to have you as a loving, concerned and caring friend. You are in my prayers today. Be blessed caro! FR SEVERINUS 26/07/09 07:36:52 AM
Today marks my 10th year in the priesthood. As I pray for myself, I pray for all who are special and dear to me; you are one of them. May God bless you and your efforts = FR OGOKE J.C 31/07/09 07:05:39 AM
Bon après midi, pere. Comment ça va? A week toady marks your 10th anniversary. As you prepare, may God aid you. Amen. Au voir, mon grand ami. MUNACHI IBEH 31/07/09 15:38:07 PM
We turn to God in our need, in His great compassion He answers us, He is Good Samaritan to us, what we need most of all is not money, not even health, but rather the ability to forgive our neighbour and to LOVE. May God bless our activities always. Happy Sunday. FR TOFA 02/08/09 06:05:32 AM
Padre, Good morning as I prepare to go for Morning Prayer, I said let first wish you a happy 10th anniversary for God loves you. MAGNUS AKACHUKWU NWAKWO (ONOPRA) 07/08/09 05:48:45 AM
Auguri per ì tuoi 10 anni di sacerdozio prego per Te ciao! SUOR FRANCESCA 07/08/09 07:26:55 AM
I wish you a wonderful birthday as a priest of God filled with too of life’s most precious gift, hope and happiness. I’m also enclosing a big smile, a warm hug and above all God’s blessing on this special day of yours as you celebrate your 10th year as a Catholic priest. SAMSPON ONWUMERE (ONOPRA) 07/08/09 07:18:58 AM
Fr, I said a prayer for you today @kw God must have heard it. I felt the answer in my heart although he spoke no word. I asked that he’d been near you at the start of each new day. Happy anniversary. Miss you. SR SOCHINWE CHUKWU (ONOPRA) 07/08/09 07:58:58 AM
My hearty congratulations. May the good Lord continue to bless and keep you in his ministry. Ciao. SR JULIET (PASSIONIST) 07/08/09 09:54:00 AM
For so many people, it is a time of joy and wealth acquisition. For me, it is a time of God’s blessings, I pray in a special way for God to renew and revitalize you both physically, spiritual and otherwise. I ask our Mother Mary for her powerful and ceaseless intercession. May the power of the TRINITY establish and lift you up to a desired end. AMEN. IGNATIUS NDUBUISI 07/08/09 08:57:04 AM
I wish you long life, God’s blessings in the priesthood. Ti augurone. Un bacio. Ti aspetta quando torno, festigiamo insieme. MRS MARIA GORETTI OKORO 07/08/09 10:10:18 AM
Congratulations on your anniversary. God bless you. MR JUDE OKORO 07/08/09 10:15:03 AM
Fr, Chukwu gozie. Congratulations. Ogolondu na Lord’s vineyard. Anyi no n’ MARE (SEA) with umuaka. Auguri. SR CHINYERE DMMM 07/98/09 10:26:47 AM
Ti ricorda nell’ mia preghiera. Ti augurone. Ti celebrarè a CASE. Ci sentiamo domani. DON NINO 07/08/09 10:28:39 AM
You may be out of my sight but not out of my heart. You may be out of my reach but not out of my mind. I may think you are alone but I always think about you and you will always be special to me. Be assured of my prayer and happy anniversary. I love you. BENNICHOLAS OBIKE 07/08/09 11:01:07 AM
Congratulations. Auguri. Ci sentiamo più tardi. REV IFEANYICHUKWU ISAAC NWAGBAOSO (ONOPRA) 07/08/09 12:15:03 PM
Padre mio, ho riecvuto il tuoi richiesta. Come andato il vacanza. Spero sempre bene. Auguri desiderio molto anni in Vingna di Dio. Ciao. SR PAULINE OBASI (ONOPRA) 07/08/09 12:15:17 PM
God has indeed blessed the universe through impeccable and unalloyed service to humanity. You are indeed an epitome of humility and love accompanied with charity, forgiveness, temperance and reverence for God. As you celebrate your 3,650 days in the Lord’s vineyard, I pray for nothing but many more prosperous years. Congratulations. Mundus and mum (will call you in the night). 07/08/09 12:15:47 PM
Fr. Paul, I received your message. We are feasting here, what of you? Am happy for and am praying for you. Keep on moving to the Lord. Congratulations as well. REV FR (LIEUTENANT) PATRICK ODIRACHUKWUMA ORJI (MY TWIN BROTHER IN ORDINATION) 07/08/09 01:53:23 PM
My beloved master, I want to hear your voice again and also say congratulation for your 10 years in the priesthood. Fada ikawakwaloo, kamgbe enu afo iri agala. I love you. MUNACHI IBEH 07/08/09 02:32:01 PM
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Fr. For reaching your recent feat. Ten years is not a child’s play. Remain not only a “REV FR” but a “CATHOLIC PRIEST”. Je vous aime. A bientot. MANUCHI IBEH 07/08/09 13:51:30 PM
Nwanneukwu congrats for ten years of YES and FAITHFULNESS. May God sustain you in his love. Tanti Auguri a Te. FR GEOFFERY EBOH (wrote from the Santuario Monasterio di Montevergine Mercogliano) 07/08/09 17:07:19 PM
Ciao don..Io faro knell specifico..xo tutti i giorni nella Santa Messa ricordo i sacerdoti in particolare mood quelli della mia AFRICA…Dio ti benedica e ricolmi dei suoi doni..baci baci. PALMA RICCIONE 07/08/09 18:47:22 PM
Paul, I just finished celebrating the Holy Eucharist and I thought of you in a special way. I wish you more grace of the priesthood. Happy anniversary! FR PAUL ODOEME 07/08/09 20:01:27 PM
May the joy of today bring you the blessings you have always wished for, the happiness you have always wanted and love you have always dreamt and shared among every one as today counts your 10th anniversary, may what ever you ask God for this day be what you get. Amen. Happy anniversary. . JOY UZOAMAKA CHUKWUEKEZIE 07/08/09 20:09:16 PM
Priest of the Lord you shall be named. Minister of God you shall be called. You will eat the wealth of the nations and boast of riches from them (Cf. Isa. 61:6). Happy anniversary. JOHN PAUL CHIBUZO IGBO 08/07/09 21:42:41 PM
Email:
Best wishes
Okoye Joseph
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View Monday, August 3, 2009 9:41:42 PM
To:[email protected]
GOODWILL MESSAGE
“Who the cap fits let him wear it” dear father, it is in line with above that I use to re-echo the words of Baboski by saying that: the time has come for you to rejoice like DAVID, reign like Solomon, lead like Joshua, laugh like Sarah, favoured like Esther and established like Joseph (cf. Baboski W. issues of our time, 1989). In the light of the above, I wish to express my unrelenting dedication, concern and support to you as you celebrate your 10th anniversary.
Padre, I pray thee to be courageous in imitating Christ the eternal priest. As he promised us that he planted the sacred priest-hood by a river side, as such, you are planted by riverside, you are watered by God, you are flourished with success, prosperity and to be ever green. May your days be full of pleasant surprises and your joy will not be once upon a time, victorious songs shall not cease from your mouth, every new day will bring you closer to the fulfillment of your destiny, as you keep on up-holding your dignity.
Father, I lack words to express my concern, but all the same I wish you glamorous day filled with banquet of love, happiness, joy and all your favourites.
Before slapping of my pen, I wish to let you know that your norm which is inculcated in me shall never cease. I am looking forward therefore, sharing with you the sweet success of the celebration.
Good luck to you dear padre
From your beloved son Joseph .N. OKOYE
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buon anniersario!
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Antonio Rodríguez de Rivera
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Add Thursday, August 6, 2009 3:45:04 PM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Carissimo Paul,
Un saluto affettuoso! Tutto bene a Manzano?… Saluti per D. Nino. Quale programma hai per l’anno accademico prossimo?
Domani sarà il tuo 10º anniversario di ordinazione: ben unito al tuo ringraziamento a Dio, ti assicuro una preghiera particolare nella Santa Messa, affinché il Signore ti dia un grande cuore sacerdotale, come quello del Curato d’Ars, che seppe identificarsi con i sentimenti di Cristo. Quest’anno sacerdotale sarà un anno di grazia per i presbiteri e per la Chiesa , cerchiamo di corrispondere agli abbondanti doni divini. Nel mese di luglio sono stato in Francia e ho avuto la gioia di fare un pellegrinaggio ad Ars: lì ho pregato per te e per tutti i miei amici sacerdoti.
Prega per la mia conversione. Unito a te nel Cuore di Cristo, un abbraccio fraterno
Antonio
CONGRATULATIONS
…
Goziem Franca
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View Thursday, August 6, 2009 11:08:58 PM
To:[email protected]
Nwannem,
IBU UKOCHUKWU EBEBE NA USORO NKE MELCHIZEDEK.
Ten years ago you were elevated to the High order of priesthood. Not because you merited it but out of His love He chose you to be a partaker in His Divine bouquet. Congratulation for it is not easy.
In all these years no doubt you must have experienced so many ups and downs, joys and sorrows, storms and winds but the Lord has not in any way abandoned you. Congratulations.
As you celebrate tomorrow this privileged call, I wish you all the best and pray that God in His infinite love and mercy will continue to see you through especially when the going gets tough. And may our Sweet and Blessed Mother Mary continue to cover you in her mantle.
Once again CONGRATULATIONS and all the best. I am happy for you. Enjoy.
Bye.
R: Thanks for your kindness
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Hilly
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View Friday, August 7, 2009 9:50:22 AM
To: Paul Ogujioffor
Dear Don,
Thank YOU very much. My students (and I!) were enthusiastic, a great experience for all of us. Thank you for the photos too!
My congrats for your 10th anniversary.
Have a nice day, mandi!!!
Hi don! Sorry for the delay but I was quite busy today
my birthday is on the 1st January. Bye. ILARIA 07/08/09 19:54:14
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All the Best!
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chisom onwudiwe
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View Friday, August 7, 2009 3:44:08 PM
To:[email protected]
Hello Fr,
I am wishing you all the best as you mark 10 years in God’s vineyard today. More graces and more divine protection are my prayers for you.
On the question you asked about Victor’s death. I don’t have the date and month. May be you can still ask other people who might source where the date and month are. Bye
Magnus Chisom
Imo State (Owerri)
RE: CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER
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SAVERINUS NDUGWA
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 12:05:28 AM
To:[email protected]
Fr. Paul Ogujioffor’s 10 priestly years.docx (12KB)
Carissimo fratello mio Paolo,
Always thank God, for you are who you are. Many more years of faithful service to the Lord. Ti benedica Dio buono sempre.
Severino.
Do I really merit most of the words that were directed to me as a compliment?
Oh Lord Jesus, Eternal priest below is my appeal for forgiveness for all I have deliberately and willingly done wrong to YOU in the priesthood.
O Lord, for the many times I have shared in your sacramental creation unworthily: Pardon me of my insensibility and insensitivity.
For the uncountable scandals which I have committed consciously or unconsciously: Lord, erase completely the idea from the hearts and heads of those involved, for their sincere love and respect of your priesthood.
For the sacrileges which I have plundered myself into: Lord Jesus make me innocent and pure once again.
For many vocations to the priesthood and religious life which I have failed to nurture or encourage consciously or unconsciously by my indifference: O Eternal priest, pardon me and call them back to your service.
For my actions against sincere sacrifice, obedience and holiness of life; never let me be cast away in your kingdom for the many times I have plunged myself into such acts within these years in the priesthood.
Oh God accept my thanksgiving sacrifices, my nothingness and the little acts I have done well. Lord, you said: PAUL my grace is enough for you. May the Holy Spirit continue to renew the grace of ordination in me.
As you have called me Lord, enlighten me to teach your people.
As you chose me transform me to sanctify your people.
Do not deprive me of your Holy Spirit, that I may lead your people with love.
Oh God bless all who serve you with humility, for to follow you without a cross is very cloudy. To appreciate your cross in our call is eternity. This cross is in sacrifice, obedience and holiness of life. Jesus the Good shepherd, increase the vocation for the love of your cross, the cross of shepherding your flock with patience and love. May I be aware that am also a sheep, hence to hear your voice in my assignments always and every where. Lord with whole heartedness I accept your call. May I never be a hindrance or scandal to your call. May I promote this vocation by my love to you in words and actions.
Oh MOTHER MARY, cover me with your mantle of chastity.
LORD, MAY PEOPLE ALWAYS EXPERINCE CHRIST IN MY LIFE.
APPRECIATION!!!
I humbly wish to thank ALMIGHTY GOD for the gift of Catholic Sacred priesthood which he allowed me to share and remain in, despite my unworthiness. To my Bishop, MOST REV DR SOLOMON AMAMCHUKWU AMATU, for the opportunity he gave me to study in Rome, I remain ever grateful to him. His fatherly care is ever wonderful. My Bishop Emeritus, MOST REV DR ANTHONY EKEZIE ILONU deserved a wonderful recognition in my life, he ordained me together with REV FR (LIEUTENANT) PATRICK ODIRACHUKWUMA ORJI (who is of Nigerian Army now) at Holy Cross Parish Uturu on Saturday 7th August 1999. I was admitted into St. Peter’s Seminary Okigwe on 28th December 1987 by MONSIGOR LUKE ONYEKACHUKWU ILONU (the then Rector and Vocation Director), his influence and care within my seminary days are quite fatherly indeed. While I was serving in St. Peter’s Seminary Okigwe, I received care and concern from people ranging from priests, seminarians, religious and lay faithful. Oh God, in your infinite bounty, may you be their care and concern in their moment of isolation. I beg for forgiveness for I cannot mention all names. These priests touched my life for good in a special way while I was in the seminary and they are still on it: REV FRS: PAUL ODOEME, CYRIACUS ONYENUCHEYA, GEOFFERY EBOH, KENNETH CHUKWU, LAWRENCE EJIOFOR, PATRICK ODIRACHUKWUMA ORJI, ISIDORE OCHIABUTO, MICHAEL AGBAYI, ANTHONY UMEOBIKA, JOSEPH IKE, PASCHAL ONUNWA (of Enugu diocese in U.S.A), MARK OKORO, CYPRIAN OKORONKWO, PATRICK UGWAKA, CLETUS OKOYE, SYLVESTER IHEBUIKE, MICHAEL NKWACHUKWU EBOH, CLETUS EHIEM (my Spiritual Director and Confessor), GODWIN UGURU (ABAKALIKI DIOCESE), PATRICK CHUKWU LEKWEM (UMUAHIA DIOCESE), REGINALD IBEH (AHIARA DIOCESE), OKIGWE NWE OKGWE PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION (ONOPRA), ETC. I owe special thanks to all Okigwe Diocesan seminarians (junior and senior) for their different services, love and care to me even now that am out for studies. Lord may you reward them abundantly of their hearts’ desire, most especially, that very many may also share in the mystery of your sacred priesthood. Amen.
THESE SEMINARIANS WORKED IN MY ROOM AT ST. PETER’S SEMINARY OKIGWE WHEN I WAS THERE AS A FORMATOR FROM 10TH SEPTEMBER 1999 TO 28TH AUGUST 2007, (OUTSIDE THOSE WHO WORKED DURING HOLIDAYS AND THOSE OF SPECIAL CARE TO ME).
1. AUGUSTINE OBINNA NNABUIHE OKWE (JS III)
2. CHRISTOPHER ANOKA ISIKWUATO (JS III)
3. VICTOR OKECHUKWU IKEFU (R.I.P) ACHARA-OBOWO (SS I & SS II) [DIED AS A 1ST YEAR PHILOSOPHY STUDENT IN BIGARD ENUGU]
4. MAGNUS CHISOM ONWUDIWE UMUAKAGU-NSU (SS II)
5. KENNEDY MUNACHI IBEH AÑARA- ISIALA MBANO (JS III & SS I)
6. VICTOR MADUABUCHI OKOGBUO ACHARA-UTURU (SS I)
7. MICHAEL ONYEKACHUKWU OKORONKWO UMUALUMAKU EHIME (SS I)
8. MICHAEL NNOROM UMUDIERIM-IHITTE (SS I)
9. JOSEPH CHUKWUEBUKA OBIJIOFOR NIMO-ANAMBARA STATE (JS III)
10. PASCHAL CHILEE ONYEJELAM UBOWALA-EMEKUKU OWERRI (JS III & SS I)
11. NICHOLAS CHIGOZIE IBEH UMUTU-IBEME ISIALA MBANO (JS III & SSI)
12. VITUS CHISOM OHAGWU OWERRE ISUNABO UTURU (JS III). Oh God you know what is good and proper to each of them, may they experience more care from you as they gave me.
The families of my seminarians were ever there for me. Oh God bless and grant them their hearts’ desire. For fear of forgetfulness of some and those who may wish to remain anonymous always, I will not mention names. Please forgive me for that.
I wish also to thank all whom I met here in Italy, while on studies in Rome, for their continuous care and love. I crave the indulgence of some of them to mention their names without their knowledge; for they were everything to me that I can ever conceive which is good in life. May the following accept my sincere appreciations for their love to me; REV FRS VITALIS CHIJOKE ABIAMIRI, KENNETH KURUME, PETER EBUBENNA ANYANWU, BENEDICT EJEH (PROF), GEOFFERY EBOH, PAUL OBIJI, ANTHONY ONYENAGADA, REV ISAAC IFEANYICHUKWU NWAOGBOSO, REV JOHN OKAFOR and REV KELECHI (PASSIONISTS both from UMUEZEGWU), and OTHER OKIGWE RELIGIOUS PRIESTS, SR CHINEDU OSUORJI (DMMM from ONOPRA), SR CYNTHIA CHINYERE OSUAGWU (IHM) of AMUZARI, SR MARY AKOSIM (DDL) of ARO-UGWU UTURU (my maternal home), SR JULIET (PASSIONIST) from IBEME and other religious from DMMM, they deserve special thanks for their sisterly care and love. The seminarians who were of special care were very many; because of space I will not call them by names. May they also forgive me for not mentioning their names one by one. Others who contributed in one way or another for my happiness within these years in Italy were: THE NIGERIAN PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION ROME, IGBO PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION ROME, REV. FRS SEVERINUS NDUGWA (of Archdiocese of Mbarara Uganda), JOSEPH ANOKERIE (of LAGOS ARCHIDIOCESE) SYLVESTER MULI (of MACHAKOS DIOCESE KENYA), JOHN BAPTIST SSNKO (of Uganda), FELIX CHISIMBA (of Zambia), STANLEY MASILOMPANA (of JOHANNESBURSG ARCHDIOCESE SOUTH AFRICA) STANISLAUS IGBASI (of AWKA DIOCESE), EUGENE NONSO EGBOSIONU (of AWKA DIOCESE), DON ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ DE RIVERA (of the OPUS DEI), DON PHILIP GOYRET (of the OPUS DEI and my Spiritual Director), DON LAURENCE TUOZE (of the OPUS DEI, the first priest in PUSC I had a table talk with in September 2007 when I arrive Rome for studies), DON EDUARDO TORRES (my moderator), DON ANTONIO MIRALLES and other OPUS DEI PRIESTS, DON MAURIZIO (il parroco Chiesa di San Martino Riccione – Diocesi di Rimini; MONS GIOVANNI RIVETTI [DON NINO] (il parroco CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA MANZANO, SANTA MARGHERITA VERGINE E MARTIRE MANZINELLO, SANTI GIOVANNI BATTISTA E NICOLÒ VESCOVE OLEIS, SAN LORENZO DI SOLESCHIANO E SAN TOMASO APOSTOLO CASE – UDINE ARCIDIOCESI and host of others. The family of MR JUDE & MRS MARIA GORETTI OKORO is indeed my family here in Rome. Today, Friday 7th August 2009, after my anniversary Mass at CHIESA DI SAN TOMASO CASE, the family of SIGNOR ENZO (LORENZO) BATTISTUTTA and SIGNORA VALERIA BONUTTI of CASE surprised me with party organized on my behalf without my prior knowledge. Oh God continue to bless them together with their children IRENE and FRANCESCA.
Lastly, I wish to thank God for my humble family of MR RAPHAEL OWAMECHILA OGUJIOFFOR and MRS PHILOMENA NWULU OGUJIOFFOR, my brothers and sisters for their constant prayers, love and affections to me. To the dead especially, FR MARTIN DIRIBE, my father, Raphael and my sister, Paulina; grant them eternal rest in heaven Oh Lord.
Signore ti ringraziamo per il cammino sacerdotale intrapreso da don Paolo, ordinazione di cui oggi ricorre il decimo anniversario. Illuminalo con la tua luce, assistilo con la tua grazia, sostienilo con la tua forza rendendolo vigilante e fedele al tuo servizio.
Ti preghiamo perché con la forza del tuo amore viva bene la sua vocazione e d ate santificato, comunichi la Tua Parola alle anime di tutto il mondo. Noi Ti preghiamo. IRENE BATTISTUTTA (Prayer of the faithful in my 10th anniversary Mass on 7th August 2009 at San Tomaso Case di Manzano)
AFTER THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST 2009
Fr. Thanks for your text. You see, you are now 10 so soon!!! This is a jubilee! We thank God and are happy. We therefore pray for many more years of happy celebrations. May God keep, protect, guide and bless you! He will see you through. Once more, congrats! LADY ALICE UCHE (LSM) SATURDAY 08/08/09 08:12:17 AM
Nnaa, asim kam si gi congrats. Ahurum ihe dere maka 10th anniversary gi. Nnaa imakwa na anyi emego okenye na ihea. Anyi agbago afo iri ka mgbe nu. Anom na Germany ugbua for holidays. Ozigbo nrichara breakfast, kam mmepere email box kam guchara ihe nile ahu idere. I gbaligo na ihe dere. Congrats. FR GODWIN UGURU SATURDAY 08/08/09 11:50:56 AM
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Re: Lord forgive my insensibilities, insensitivities and my indifference in the priesthood.
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John Baptist Ssonko
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 4:44:04 AM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Carissimo Don Paolo, Auguri!! Buona festa a lei. Non conoscuito che lei celebra - 10 anni di anniversario. Devo pregare per lei domini nella santa Messa.
Dio benedica e protegga per sempre.
My brother I will pray for you so that the good Lord may bless your ministry and future.
The struggle continues, walk the journey until the end, I entrust you in the hands of our Mother Mary, the mother of all Priests.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
Your young brother,
Rev. Fr. Ssonko J.B.
You Received A Greeting Card From Alighthouse.com!
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John Paul chibuzor
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 7:16:24 AM
To:[email protected]
Dear
THE PRIEST OF THE GOD YOU SHALL BE NAME
THE MINISTER OF THE LORD YOU BE CALLED
YOU SHALL EAT THE WEALTH OF THE NATIONS
YOU SHALL BOAST THE RICHES THAT COMES FROM THEM. ISAIAH 61:6.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY FROM THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU
BUT DONT FORGET IT IS YOU ALONE NO ONE ELSE THAT WAS CALLED WITH YOU BUT
MY PRAYER IS HE WHO STYARTED THIS WORK IN U WLL SEE TO THE END
AD MULTOS ANNOS
FELICITAS. Please don’t forget to write your anniversary message. Forward to me a copy. I will love to read it. Thanks
AMOREM
WOW WHAT A SURPRISE!!!
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Gabriel Offor
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 9:41:52 AM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Hello Fr Ogun,
I wish to congratulate you on your 10th priestly anniversary. I pray that the God who has called you into this honourable vocation will continue to support you in all circumstances.
I was pretty shocked at your long silence. I tried to reach you via your two phone numbers that I have but none was a success. I thank God that you are still alive and active.
I hoped to hear from you concerning your defense about two months ago but you have completely kept quiet about that. I do hope it was a success.
Once more congrats and have a good day.
Fr Gab.
Happy Anniversary of Priesthood.
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ZITA EKEOCHA
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 11:25:40 AM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Dear Fr. Paul,
I wish you all the blessings and joy of Priestly Ordination.
You are specially prayed for every day.
Keep up the good spirit.
Sr. Zita.
[No Subject]
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stanley masilompana
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 1:42:08 PM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Brother!
It is with great pleasure to read your great message that you wrote for your anniversary and could not but be amazed by the way you are so gifted with words and your honesty. I am sorry for being late to wish this 10 years anniversary of your priesthood. We met some months ago and have developed a friendship that opens my mind always because of your simplicity and love for the ministry. I know you have touched a lot of lives with your ministry coz you have touched me too and made me realize how important it is for us to celebrate and love our priesthood.
To me you are a big brother in the priesthood and have really guided me with your simplicity and would really like to say yes it is true we have seen the presence of God through you and may you continue to do so with the same spirit and never get tired of doing what is right in the eyes of God.
Paul, today as we celebrate the memorial of St. Dominic, one founder of the mendicant orders, may by his spirit and example continue to be a good preacher with your words and or with your life as you are. I might not be good with words but I do know that God continues to give us light and direction and yes he has chosen us unworthy and sinful creature. May God bless you my Brother.
Fr. Paul, you are a symbol of Christ present in our daily lives, preach him and exclaim his resurrection till he come again.
Fr. Stanley!
Mandi! È stato un bel momento e piano contenti che tu sia stato contento. Ti farò avere copia di preghiera. Ciao! IRENE BATTISUTTA 08/08/09 17:51:44 PM
May God be praised, now I have your e-mail
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Patrick ugwaka
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 5:29:31 PM
To:[email protected]
Dear Fr. Paul,
I arrived Germany few days ago and I thought you will be on holidays to one part of Italy or the other. While I was trying to connect, behold your mail arrived. May God be praised; I can communicate my brother ones again. I made out time to read your anniversary write up, thou it was long but I read it through more than ones. It is really inspiring. You did what many people would not attempt, that is laying themselves bay before God and before the public. St. Augustine did same, we read it and praised him, but we can’t do what he did. Thank you because you had time to write, thank you also because you wanted others to share in your joy and experience, thank you because you involve others in the race towards the creator, thank you because you want to tell people that the priest is the one who is always doing his best, but at same time is nothing without the help…our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Keep it up God will see you through.
Thanks and remain blessed.
From Patty
My dear Fr. Paul,
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vin adibe
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 8:41:54 PM
To: Paul Ogujioffor
Congratulations to your 10th Priestly Anniversary. Time flies really. I hope you had a good time with all around you at this memorable period. I have been waiting to hear from you as you promised to reach me when you get to your place of holidays work.
You had wonderful experiences. I think they are good sources of strength in your daily endeavours.
May the good God continue to guide you in all your future struggles in the Lord’s Vine yard, and as well grant you the joy and happiness in fulfillment of your Priestly obligations.
Again CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION! Continue to move forward. I thank God for the gift of you.
My best of regard,
Your Sr. Vinclare.
RE: Lord forgive my insensibilities, insensitivities and indifferences all these years
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Frobiken Obinna Kurumeh
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View Saturday, August 8, 2009 9:17:20 PM
To: Paul Ogujioffor
Dear Fr Paul,
I am glad to read that you are already 10 years a priest. I congratulate you for remaining steadfast to your calling this long. I wish you all God’s favours needed to keep you still convinced and faithful to your priestly vocation in the years ahead. May God who has called you in your unworthiness protect you and continue to make you that worthy instrument of His grace among his people. May our Mother Mary be your refuge in moments of difficulty. Congratulations.
Fr Kurumeh
Fr. I pray, God’s love into your life. May he help you to reach the perfection of his love, grace, merit and holiness. With more years ahead, Amen. Good night. SOLOMON JONAS 08/08/09 21:21:08 PM
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Bravo!
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Anthony ifeanyi umeobika
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View Sunday, August 9, 2009 2:23:05 PM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Co-adjunation, so you are already 10 years in the Catholic ministerial priesthood? TEMPUS FUGIT! Congratulations!
May the good Lord in whose service you have been for these ten years continue to guard, guide and protect you in His sacred duties.
Ad Multos Annos!
Nnam ukwu, I want to congratulate you for your 10th anniversary on Friday 7th August. I am happy for you. Remember always in your prayer budget. Amorem. EMMANUEL CHIKADIBIA ONYECHERE 09/08/09 05:52:52 PM
R: Lord forgive all my insensibilities, insensitivities and my differences in the priesthood all these years
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Laurent Touze
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View Sunday, August 9, 2009 3:23:02 PM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Caro Paul,
Tantissimi auguri per il suo anniversario di ordinazione! Dieci anni: un buon momento per rendere grazie a Dio, e per celebrare l’anno sacerdotale nella gioia della comunione dei santi. Chiedo per Lei e per tutti noi la grazia della fedeltà fino alla morte.
Con le mie preghiere,
Nell’unione della Messa,
Rev. Prof. Laurent Touze
Coordinatore degli studi
Facoltà di teologia
Pontificia Università della Santa Croce
Piazza di Sant’Apollinare n. 49
00186 Roma
Fw: THE PRIEST
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Patrick ugwaka
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View Sunday, August 9, 2009 6:45:32 PM
To:[email protected]
Whenever we’re tempted to criticize one of God’s priests we would do well to ponder the following:
THE PRIEST
The Cure’ of Ars
“O, how great is the priest! … If he realized what he is, he would die… God obeys him: he utters a few words and the Lord descends from heaven at his voice, to be contained within a small host. Without the Sacrament of Holy Orders, we would not have the Lord. Who put him there in that tabernacle? The priest. Who welcomed your soul at the beginning of your life? The priest. Who feeds your soul and gives it strength for its journey? The priest. Who will prepare it to appear before God, bathing it one last time in the blood of Jesus Christ? The priest, always the priest. And if this soul should happen to die [as a result of sin], who will raise it up, who will restore its calm and peace? Again, the priest… After God, the priest is everything! … Only in heaven will he fully realize what he is. Were we to fully realize what a priest is on earth, we would die: not of fright, but of love… Without the priest, the passion and death of our Lord would be of no avail. It is the priest who continues the work of redemption on earth… What use would be a house filled with gold, were there no one to open its door? The priest holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord; the administrator of his goods … Leave a parish for twenty years without a priest, and they will end by worshiping the beasts there … The priest is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for you”.
RE: Priestly Ordination Anniversary
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SAVERINUS NDUGWA
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View Sunday, August 9, 2009 7:34:39 PM
To:[email protected]
My dear and respectable brother,
Greetings from London. After failing to open my message, I now send it through this mode of mailing. Below is my simple but genuine reflection on your and our day;
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE; WE REJOICE AND BE GLAD FOR & WITH REV. FR. PAUL OGUJIOFFOR IKECHUKU ON HIS 10TH PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY
When you have a very dear friend who does so many favors and gives you many gifts, you feel embarrassed or ashamed when you give him nothing in return. Even if I am not a good orator like you my very dear Rev. Fr. Ogun (professore nostro della lingua Latina), I must write something, brief it may be on your 10th priestly ordination anniversary today, 7th August 2009, the optional memorial of Martyrs Pope Sixtus and Companions.
Indeed after 10 years of labouring faithfully in the Lord’s vineyard, we all cannot, but celebrate, thank God, and pray for and with you dear and respectable brother in the ministry. Be assured that God trusts you more than you trust yourself by elevating you to do on earth the noble work of His only begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. You are a simple, with few and calculated words but full of faith and wisdom, ordinary in day-to-day life, at least I have witnessed this during the two solid years we have closely been together in Rome. I am privileged and thank God for this opportune moment in my life.
Remember, you are not the Christ; you are, but a mere human being struggling like any of us in this world of so many temptations and challenges. But you must endeavour to be Christ’s sign, in fact, ALTER CHRISTUS, to make him visible to and loved by people, both in your words and exemplary deeds.
Thank you Rev. Fr. Paul, for saying Fiat voluntas tua to God, thank you for valuing the sacrament of Sacred Ordination and other sacraments related to it as you have zealously depicted through your big heart for the spiritual needs of the faithful. I pray for you that you continue to let yourself be fully conquered by Christ as his faithful minister at the service of the Gospel now and in the future assignments, known by God alone.
Your union with God in the prayer of the Breviary, the Rosary, and most especially at the celebration of the Holy Mass, the Church’s prayer per excellence, reveals your concern to the needs of the souls under your care. You have faithfully and zealously done this my dear brother in the past 10 years at Saint Peter’s Junior Seminary of Okigwe Diocese, at the Istituto Don Calabria Roma, at Monasterio di Montevergine Mercogliano, at Ventimiglia and Manzano-Udine and other several places in both Nigeria and Italy. May the Lord who started this good apostolate in and with you, give you more years of service among His faithful. As we commemorate the Year of Priests (19th June 2009-19th June 2010), may Saint John Mary Vianney, that faithful, zealous and holy cure d’Ars, inspire and intercede for you and all of us in this noble ministry. AD MAJOREM GLORIAM DEI, as you usually quote it and that SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM in accordance to your priestly ordination motto you chose 10 years ago. Blessings and love, now and always.
Severinus Ndugwa Mwangu (Rev. Fr.) from Mbarara Archdiocese in Uganda
Written on the 7th August 2009 at Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Borehamwood,
Westminster Archdiocese, London in the UK.
Re: LORD FORGIVE MY INSENSIBILITIES, INSENSITIVITIES AND INDIFFERENCES ALL THESE YEARS IN THE PRIESTHOOD
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Michael Udoekpo
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View Monday, August 10, 2009 2:43:42 PM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Hi Paul,
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Wishing you many more fruitful years in the Lord’s Vineyard.
Yours, Michael
Re: LORD FORGIVE MY INSENSIBILITIES, INSENSITIVITIES AND INDIFFERENCES ALL THESE YEARS IN THE PRIESTHOOD
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Michael Udoekpo
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View Monday, August 10, 2009 4:11:03 PM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Ciao Paul,
Buon anniversario. Tanti grazie anche tu, per la tua nota. Adesso io sono in Stati Uniti. I mia vacanza va bene. E come stai i sua vacanza. Dove sei? Ritonarò a Roma in Fine di Septembre. Ci vediamo!
Fratello, Michele
Re: LORD FORGIVE MY INSENSIBILITIES, INSENSITIVITIES AND INDIFFERENCES ALL THESE YEARS IN THE PRIESTHOOD
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Anthony Dimkpa
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View Monday, August 10, 2009 4:38:12 PM
To: Paul ogujioffor
Fr. Paul My brother,
To God be the glory for your vocation. After all said and done, blessed is he to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit is no guile. Jesus says, after we have done our tasks, we should say that we are no more than useless servants. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary! Your many friends and dear ones have borne good testimony about you. May Jesus who has the last word confirm these testimonies. Keep doing your best and trusting in his grace, the fellowship and power of the Spirit at work in you, the intercession of our Lady and all the saints, the Love of the Father while you show the earnest zeal and labour with love and humility for that which you have accepted. His grace is enough for you and his banner over you is love. God bless you.
Fr. Tony
PS: Your anniversary is my birthday!!!!
Good morning Fr, how is your health? Just to say hello
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO SPIRITUAL YEAR SEMINARY EHIME-OKIGWE DIOCESE AT HER TWENTY (20) YEARS 1989 – 2009: A RETROSPECT BY REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR
The seminary is the heart and future of the Church. To overlook the formation therein or try to supplement for any thing else is chaotic and detrimental to the Church. Ipso facto, serious and maximum attention is needed therein for qualitative and highly spiritual and morally balanced priests who will eventually lead the people to God through their priestly ministry and concretely seen and witnessed in their daily lives and every where too. In view of this, the seminary formation is ad semper holistic and integral, which involve spiritual, moral, intellectual, psychological and social formation with the cultural background not to change any Church’s Tradition or matters involving FIDES ET MORES.
With the aggiornamento in the Church and when the need arose in Nigeria, the birth of the Spiritual Year Seminary became imperative as to be differently apart from Philosophy course in the seminary. In OKIGWE DIOCESE, the then Bishop, MOST REV DR ANTHONY EKEZIE ILONU in 1989, appointed REV FR MICHAEL IKECHUKWU ANYANWU as the Pioneer Rector and he started with the sixteen (16) seminarians as the pioneer students with REV JOSEPH NWAOHA (now a priest) as their auxiliary.
The second sets of 1990 were twenty-two (22) seminarians with CHRISTIAN NONYE EZE (now a priest) as their auxiliary.
The life in the seminary is always the same, but the first two sets did not find it very much easy because every thing was at the level of beginning. Nevertheless, this did not thwart the normal rigorous seminary, AD MAYOREM GLORIAM DEI. The seminary continued to grow from strength to strength, the staff and auxiliaries even increased in number. Thanks to God for the growth of priestly vocation in OKIGWE DIOCESE. Though we have increase in vocation now the quality ought to be maintained. This quality is anchored on the emphasis of PRIESTLY SACRIFICE, OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS OF LIFE.
Therefore, nobody is indispensible in the seminary formation. Vocation to the priesthood has nothing to do with the personal affection. Hence, what is required of me as a seminarian is a genuine intention accompanied by a daily sincere service to God in humanity, a prayerful illumination of the will by the Holy Spirit (both on the formators and the seminarians themselves) and a constant doing of the ordinary things excellently well, bearing in mind that the journey to the sacred priesthood is not an arena for selfish competition. The seminary formation ought to help seminarians to build their “spiritual aqua dot” and be disciplined for this is the bedrock of character formation.
The seminary formation is not a “sandwich” program nor is it a one way traffic program. More importantly, the formators are there to direct the seminarians not just by words of academic teachings but exemplary life full of joyful sacrifices, obedience and holiness of life. The formators ought to be always careful more than the seminarians, less their mistakes become a model for the feeble minds, for there are many looking unto them as models bearing in mind that they are mere instruments of service for love.
RECTORS:
1) REV FR DR MICHAEL IKECHUKWU ANYANWU (PIONEER), from IKEPEREJERE UBOMA, ordained on 15 May 1973 and died on17 November 1995. He was the rector from 1989 – 1993.
2) REV FR DR CAJETAN EHIEM, from IBEME UGIRI, ordained in Rome on 21 June 1987. He was the rector from 1993 – 2005.
3) REV FR DR CYPRIAN UCHECHUKWU OKORONKWO, from UMUOBIALA ISIKWUATO, ordained in Rome on 25 February 1995. He has been the rector from 2005 till date.
PRAYER:
Oh God you chose Frs. Michael, Cajetan and Cyprian to the big task of formation of your future priests in Okigwe Diocese as rectors in St. Charles Borromeo Spiritual Year Seminary Ehime. Bless their good intentions and the sacrifices they have made. If ever out of human fragility there were mistakes from them never count it against them. May we always see and project their sincere sacrifices for your Church and for your greater glory in heaven. To Fr Michael Anyanwu grant eternal rest in heaven. Amen.
DECEASED PAST STUDENTS:
1) REV FR MARTIN NNAEMEKA DIRIBE, from AMORIE AKU-OKIGWE, ordained on 27 July 2002 and died on 2 November 2002 (Feast of All Souls) at Annunciation Specialist Hospital Emene Enugu, having being in coma from 19 October 2002 when he had a ghastly motor accident at Nunya express road towards Umuahia on his way to celebrate Holy Mass for the faithful of Holy Ghost Parish Uboma.
Providentially, he was the first to arrive to the Spiritual Year Seminary on the very first day of reopening, of the first set of seminarians with the second rector (FR CAJETAN EHIEM), the first to be ordained in his group and the first to die to meet the Lord. FR MARTIN (TINO), rest in perfect peace. Amen.
2) REV FR INNOCENT UDOKA OKEKE, from UMUARIAM-OBOWO, ordained on 18 December 1999 and died after an excruciating pain of sickness, on the way to St. Anthony’s Hospital Okigwe where he was already admitted; on 29 December 2005. He was among the pioneer students of the seminary in 1989. He was once an Associate editor of THINKERS MAGAZINE and Editor-in-chief of TORCH MAGAZINE both in BIGARD MEMORIAL SEMINARY ENUGU. FR INNOCENT (NWUNNE, PEEPE), rest in perfect peace. Amen.
3) VICTOR OKECHUKWU IKPEFU, from ACHARA-OBOWO, died at Enugu as a 1st year Philosophy student in 2006. Victor was exceptionally good and hardworking, very intelligent, humble and obedient. These virtues in him were consequent for his working for two consecutive academic years while in ST. PETER’S SEMINARY OKIGWE in the room of REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR. OKECHUKWU, God loves you, rest in perfect peace. Amen.
REV FR PAUL IKECHKWU OGUJIOFFOR
MOTTO: SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM
OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA
(SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA PARROCCHIA MANZANO-ARCIDIOCESI DI UDUNE ITALIA, from 1st July – 6th September 2009).
WORTHY BROTHER-PRIEST, REV FR SEVERINUS MWANGU NDUGWA OF MBARARA ARCHDIOCESE UGANDA CELEBRATES HIS 12TH YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD AT ST. THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS PARISH WESTMINSTER ARCHDIOCESE LONDON TODAY 26 JULY 2009 (17TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR B)
The journey to the Catholic Sacred priesthood is not a “sandwich” program,
It is full of integral and holistic formation of the mind, heart, body and soul,
These bring out a corporate and finished servant of God for the entire humanity,
This is exactly what we see as a full and mature entity at the ordination of a priest.
The ordination to the priesthood is the end of a beginning,
It is a beginning because the whole life of Catholic priesthood is an on-going formation,
On-going, because the priest is ever in formation and reformation for and with others in his priestly ministry,
His life ought to be a continuous positive influence to others as Christ wanted it to be.
I humbly wish to reflect the 12th year anniversary of REV FR SEVERINUS MWANGU NDUGWA with the 12 Apostles’ names and the names of the saints on which day (SS JOACHIM & ANNE) he was ontologically configured in Christ in the mystery of the Catholic Sacred priesthood,
MATTHEW (GOD’S GIFT or GIFT OF GOD) [Sept. 21] – The priesthood of Christ which you are privileged to share is a GIFT OF GOD which MATTHEW signifies, so give without charge as Christ commanded.
From 26th July 1997 to 26th July 2009, you FR SEVERINUS MWANGU NDUGWA had been seen as an apostle because you too were sent to the people to show and give them Christ in all you do as a priest,
Having being with you for two years in Rome and studied Sacred Liturgy as a Specialization course in Pontificia Università della Santa Croce Roma also and being a brother-priest too, I wish to thank God for the gift of Christ’s priesthood in you,
Be aware that your life is that of SACRIFICE, OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS.
Therefore, I meditate your priestly life thus:
1) PETER (ROCK) [Feb. 22 & June 29] – As PETER, may you always be the rock by which all whom you may meet every where consolidate their faith in Christ, the Eternal priest.
2) ANDREW (MANLY and HANDSOME) [Nov. 30] – Like ANDREW, may your manly nature and handsomeness be a means of fostering vocation to the priesthood for the youths.
3) JAMES THE GREAT (WALKING ON GOD’S TRACKS) [July 25] – By your daily walking on God’s tracks as JAMES THE GREAT, may you always draw people to God.
4) JOHN THE EVANGELIST (GOD IS MERCIFUL) [Dec. 27] – Your priestly ministry as JOHN THE EVANGELIST is anchored majorly on the mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebration of the Holy Eucharist and proclamation of the Gospel (kerygma). Do all these joy always without complain.
5) PHILLIP (LOVER OF HORSES) [May 3] - Your special love for natural beings, things and beautiful environments, as PHILLIP, adds vigour to your happiness and love in the priestly ministry.
6) BARTHOLOMEW (CHILD OF THE BRAVE ONE) [Aug. 24] – As BARTHOLOMEW, the fruitful apostolate of your priestly work is garnished by the bravely nature of your style in the priestly ministry.
7) THOMAS (TWIN) [July 3] – Your daily priestly celebration of the Mysteries IN PERSONA CHRISTI and your balanced HUMAN RELATIONSHIP are like twin-nature which THOMAS signifies.
9) JAMES THE LESS (WALKING ON GOD’S TRACKS) [July 25] – The miracles done by God in your priestly activities each day and each moment brings out the greatest of God, though you are less than God but TO GOD BE THE GLORY as JAMES THE LESS is seen in your apostolate.
10) JUDE THADDAEUS (GIFT OF GOD) [Oct. 28] – At the Last Supper JUDE THADDAEUS asked the Lord why he showed himself only to the disciples and not to the world cf. John 14:22. As you participate in the discipleship of Christ as JUDE THADDAEUS, May the GIFT OF GOD-CHRIST HIMSELF, be shown and given to the people by you in all you do.
11) SIMON (LISTENING or HERAING) [Oct. 28] – Like SIMON the Apostle, please always LISTEN attentively to people in the administration of the Sacraments especially in the Confessional and before the witnessing or officiating of any marriage.
12) MATTHIAS (GIFT OF GOD) [May 14] – The apostleship of MATTHIAS was done with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, hence GOD’S GIFT to MATTHIAS. Therefore as you share this gift of apostleship, remain faithful IN THE and TO THIS GIFT, as it is a privilege and not a right.
On that faithful day of 26 July 1997, the Memorial of SAINT JOACHIM AND SAINT ANNE you were ontological transformed into an ALTER CHRISTI at the presence of God’s faithful people, under the apostolic succession of HIS GRACE MOST REV DR PUAL BAKYENGA (Archbishop of Mbarara) in RUSHANJE PARISH MBARARA ARCHIDIOCESE UGANDA, under the then Parish Priest REV FR DEUS BABISIIMA.
Remember the most symbolic gesture of body contact with the Bishop at the ordination, when you put your folded hands inside that of the Bishop and he covered them with his, and asked you: DO YOU PROMISE OBEDIENCE TO ME AND MY SUCCESSOR? And you responded: YES I DO and he concluded with a prayer: MAY GOD WHO STARTED THIS GOOD WORK IN YOU BRING IT TO FULFULLMENT and you answered AMEN.
You reaffirmed these wordings as wrote in your souvenir of priestly ordination: REEBA NDI AHA MUKAM. NAIJA KUKORA EKI ORIKWENDA (HERE I AM TO DO YOUR WILL O GOD) Ps. 40: 7-8. This biblical passage properly indicates the meanings of the names of the Parents of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY whose memorial were celebrated on the day of your priestly ordination; JOACHIM (RAISED BY THE LORD) - Indeed you were raised by the Lord as his priest, therefore as ANNE (GIVE THANKS) your priestly life ought to be that of THANKSGIVING TO GOD each moment of your life. TUI EST SACERDOS IN AETERNUM SECUNDUM ORDINEM MELCHISEDEK. Congratulations on your 12th priestly anniversary of your ordination, 26 July 1997 (RUSHAJE PARISH MBARARA ARCHIDIOCESE) - 26 July 2009 (ST. THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS PARISH WESTMINISTER ARCHDIOCESE LONDON) under the Pastor-ship of REV FR MICHAEL DALEY.
In the words of ST. MONICA, SON, REMEMBER ME ALWAYS AT THE ALTAR OF GOD, May you never cease in remembering the souls of your beloved parents LAZARUS and HELEN at the ALTAR OF GOD daily. May they rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Fraternally yours,
REV FR PAUL IKECHKWU OGUJIOFFOR
MOTTO: SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM
OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA
(SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA PARROCCHIA MANZANO-ARCIDIOCESI DI UDUNE ITALIA, from 1st July – 6th September 2009).
THE 11TH PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF REV FR GEOFFERY MADUABUCHI EBOH OF OKIGWE DIOCESE AT SANTUARIO MONASTERIO DI MONTEVERGINE MERCOGLIANO-ITALIA ON SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2009 - (AS REFLECTED BY REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR, SUMMER 2009).
Time passes like a twinkle of an eye,
It was just a year you celebrated your 10th anniversary in Rome when you arrived for studies in Pontificia Università Urbaniana Roma,
Today Saturday 5th September 2009 in Santuario Monasterio di Montervergine Mercogliano you are celebrating your 11th priestly anniversary,
You are properly celebrating it without any social under tone but with a deep, meditative, prayerful and committed priestly ministry of Christ in the confessional for the administering of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This is a special priestly anniversary,
You are with Christ in prayer,
You are as another Christ (ALTER CHRISTI) making anew lives of faithful in Christ,
You are properly acting IN PERSONA CHRISTI today, what a great and rear spiritual opportunity.
It was on 5th September 1998 that you were ontologically transformed into an ALTER CHRISTI,
When you prostrated during the Litany of the Saints that faithful day, you showed your nothingness before God and total dependence on him,
When you informed your father, MR DONATUS OGBONNAYA (a retired catechist), of your coming to Rome for studies, he repeated the gesture of prostration in thanksgiving to God for the opportunity in his family,
This is another Gospel manifestation and deep priestly surrender to the will of God, for today 5th September 2009 in Santuario Monasterio di Montevergine Mercogliano you are spiritually full in these words of ordination: BELIEVE WHAT YOU PREACH, PRACTICE WHAT YOU TEACH AND IMITATE THE MYSTERY YOU CELEBRATE.
It was on 15th August 1968 when your father was coming back from the Mass of the Assumption that he received with joy the born of a baby boy,
Immediately he exclaimed Oh Mother Mary the new baby boy is for your Son Jesus, for MADUABUCHI as he called you,
He made sure that he gave back to God you, MADUABUCHI, as a sacrifice to continue (as a catechist) in properly and exactly the work of Christ’s injunction: HOC FACITE IN MEAM COMMEMORATIONEM, again for 41st birthday you celebrated it in Santuario Monasterio di Montevergine Mercogliano reconciling people with God in the confessional, Oh what a nice birthday celebration,
Remember how your father on 5th September 1998 at your ordination to the priesthood, sang a great Magnificat having followed you strictly with prayers within your seminary days.
Today, 05/09/09 as we celebrate the memorial of BLESSED THERESA OF CALCUTTA we remember her special love for the poor and sick especially the lepers,
Today, 05/09/09 your 11th anniversary in the priesthood you are also participating properly in the sacramental curing and cleansing of spiritual leprosy of people,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal priest will ever remember this day in your priestly life,
AD MAYOREM GLORIAM DEI.
At this your 11th priestly anniversary please be aware of these:
R – REACH out to people with your priestly character always.
E – EDUCATE people even when in the confessional.
V – VALUE your priestly call for it is God’s highest gift to you.
F – FASHION your minds to eternity in all you do.
R – REMAIN pure always in your priestly life.
G – GOD is your terminus a quo and your terminus ad quem.
E – EMMANUEL, God with us, be available for the people of God at all times.
O – OBEDIENCE is sine qua non never forget this in your priestly assignments.
F – FEED the people of God with an undiluted proclamation of the Word of God.
F – FOLLOW strictly Christ’s words of detachment of the world.
E – ENTER always into the altar of sacrifice with pure heart.
R – RECONCILIATION with God as a priest in the Sacrament of confession is important for you.
Y – YOU are a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.
M – MAINTAIN your priestly dignity and personal neatness always.
A – APPRECIATE others’ talent for it is a key to your own success.
D – DEVELOP a special love and devotion to OUR BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
U – UNION with God ought to be first in all things
A – ALLOW the will of God to take possession of you as a priest.
B – BAD intention in whatsoever ought to be avoided.
U – UNION with the Church and the bishop gives you tranquility of mind in the exercise of your priestly duty all the time.
C – CONTINUE with the good things you learnt from your seminary days.
H – HOLINESS of life as a priest is a means of attracting people to love God more.
I – IMITATE Christ who is the model of priesthood.
E – EMBRACE any type of cross in your priestly life with patience.
B – BUILD up your treasure in heaven with your sincere priestly activities always.
O – ORGANIZATION of life promotes your sacerdotal work.
H – HOLD tenaciously this precious and heavenly gift of the Catholic priesthood.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! AD MULTOS ANNOS
5TH SEPTEMBER 1998 AT OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA
5TH SEPTEMBER 2009 AT SANTUARIO MONASTERIO DI MONTEVERGINE MERCOGLIANO-ITALA
FROM, REV FR PAUL IKECHKWU OGUJIOFFOR
MOTTO: SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM
OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA
(SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA PARROCCHIA MANZANO-ARCIDIOCESI DI UDUNE ITALIA, from 1st July – 6th September 2009).
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 8TH PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY TODAY 4TH AUGUST 2009 REV FR ISIDORE CHIDIEBERE OCHIABUTO OF OKIGWE DIOCESE, PRESENTLY ON MISSION AND THE PASTOR OF ST. MARGARET OF CORTONA PARISH BIG LAKE, CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO, TEXAS.
See how time flies FR ISIDORE,
FR CHIDIEBERE, it is already eight years today 04/08/01 – 04/08/09,
FR OCHIABUTO, you were ordained a priest in ST. MARY’S PARISH ARONDIZUOGU on 4th August 2001,
It was marvel, remarkable and special, for I still remember on that faithful day that there were two bishops at your ordination.
During the imposition of hands I still remember, after the ordaining prelate BISHOP ANTHONY EKEZIE ILONU (the then Bishop of Okigwe Diocese), MOST REV DR MARK ONWUHA UNEGBU (the then Bishop Emeritus of Owerri) imposed his hands as well, followed by MSGR EDWARD NWAFOR (all from your home town-ARONDIZUGO),
I recall with joy our togetherness as formators in ST. PETER’S SEMINARY OKIGWE,
I make a reminiscence of your great contributions in Latin language to the seminarians,
Your simple, brotherly, disciplined life and the spirit of justice for all will remain unforgotten.
FR CHIDIEBERE, I wish to commend on your philanthropy,
Though you are not in the seminary as a formator now, you are still preoccupied with the good of the seminarians,
I humbly wish to commend your special interest and benefaction to NICHOLAS CHIGOZIE IBEH,
AD MAYOREM GLORIAM DEI.
As you are eight years in the priesthood be assured that your sacrifices will ever be blessed by God,
Remember always the promises you made on that day of ordination before the people of God,
Meditate over the profound gesture of your prostration during the Litany of the Saints,
By that act you professed your nothingness before God.
FR ISIDORE, in the seminary you taught the seminarians the way to be a good priest,
Let those noble exhortations continue to re-echo in your mind and heart always,
Being in a foreign land for mission demands a lot,
BE always a good ambassador of Christ and our beloved OKIGWE DIOCESE in the CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO, TEXAS, as you pastor the faithful people of God in ST. MARGARET OF CORTONA PARISH BIG LAKE.
From the meaning of your name ISIDORE (GIFT OF GOD), you are really a gift to the Church,
This gift is special because you share in the extraordinary nature of God as an ALTER CHRISTI,
IN PERSONA CHRISTI, you forgive the sins of the people of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
By this act you show people the meaning of your name CHIDIEBERE (GOD IS MERCIFUL).
CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN!!!
From, REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR
(2009 SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA MANZANO-ARCIDIOCESI UDINE-ITALIA).
REV FR EUGENE NONSO EGBOSIONU OF AWKA DIOCESE CELEBRATED HIS 4TH YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD AT SANTUARIO MONASTERIO DI MONTEVERGINE MERCOGLIANO-AVELLINO ITALIA ON THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 2009
Priesthood is joyful when your brother-priest is also happy in the priesthood,
Though happiness may be subjective,
The priest who loves his brother-priest is much happier when the other brother is progressing,
This is a concrete truth found in FR EUGENE NONSO EGBOSIONU.
At this moment you are remembering your four years in the priesthood,
Be aware that your virtue is shinning out,
FR EUGENE, you are wonderfully excellent,
God in his infinite goodness will continue to shower his favours on you.
It was on the 20th of August 2005 that you were ontologically transformed,
This was done under the apostolic succession of your Bishop, MOST REV DR SIMON A. OKAFOR,
On that day when you were called you answered: I AM PRESENT, READY AND WILLING,
Within these four years how often have heard the echo of those words of yours?
FR NONSO, how present have you been to the people of God?
FR EUGENE, have you been always ready for the people?
FR EGBOSIONU, have you been so willing to administer the sacraments?
FR EUGENE, remember always your promises during your ordination day.
The answers to these questions are already evident in you,
They are all positively answered by your special summer apostolate this year 2009,
You were ever present to the faithful people of God at the confessional on your anniversary day,
You were willingly ready in the administering of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a most serene and prayerful nature at the SANTUARIO MONASTERIO DI MONTEVERGINE MERCOGLIANO.
This is a special priestly anniversary indeed,
While some do theirs in a social way,
You, FR EUGENE, did your 4th priestly anniversary on the mountain top of a very cooled and prayerful aura of the Monastery,
Congratulations! Congratulations!! Congratulations!!! AD MULTOS ANNOS
From, REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR (OKIGWE DIOCESE)
2009 SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA MANZANO- UDINE.
THE 3RD PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY OF REV FR MARK JOHNVIANNEY EBERECHUKWU OKORO (UMUEZE-OKIGWE) AT ST. PETER’S SEMINARY OKIGWE ON 9TH SEPTMEBER 2009
Blessed be the Holy and undivided Trinity,
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of heaven and earth,
Through him, with him and in him.
These are triological and trisogonal prayers associated with and in priestly celebration,
FR EBERECHUKWU OKORO, you have been involved in these prayers for three years,
A great percentage of this three years were in the formation of future priests,
You have experienced a life which is relatively filled with busy and regulated norms directing and showing examples to the generation of future priests.
FR MARK at baptism, you received the gifts of universal priesthood, prophet and king,
At confirmation, you were consolidated in faith by the Holy Spirit in these gifts,
At Holy Orders, you received eternal gift of ministerial power of exercising these gifts,
These are the three indelible sacramental signs in you.
From the family of MR LUKE & SABINA OKORO, you FR MARK is the 3rd among them,
Today, you are first among the three,
This is because they call FATHER,
You are a priest because the TRINITY descended on you and transformed you into an oblation and victim for the people.
It was on Saturday 9th September 2006 that you were raised to the sacerdotal state,
Today, 09/09/09, you are celebrating your 3rd year priestly ordination anniversary,
This life is classified as priestly, prophetic and kingly,
This is actually three years thanksgiving to God for the mystery which you are privileged to share in.
Within these three years,
FR MARK, how priestly have you been?
How prophetic have you busied yourself in?
How kingly have you been able to lead the people?
FR MARK, your sacrifices will ever be remembered by God for he finds favour in,
FR EBERECHUKWU, you called by Christ to serve him in humanity, your name is already an assurance for any thing at all which you have done properly,
FR JOHNVIANNEY, your patron saint and that of all priests is your courage in forging ahead in your priestly ministry,
FR OKORO, never look back in apostolate, for you are at he right track.
FR MARK in your ordination souvenir you wrote:
JESUS, I AM AMAZED THAT YOU CALL ME TO THIS VOCATION WHICH EVEN THE ANGELS DREADED!
SINCE YOU HAVE CALLED ME, I AM WILLING.
USE ME IN WHATEVER WAY THAT PLEASES YOU.
MAY YOU BE GLORIFIED IN MY LIFE.
FR EBERECHUKWU, let these inspiring and profound thoughtful prayer ever be your consolation,
Within these three years of your sacrifices in the priesthood, we may not have appreciated Christ in you,
Be assured that Christ the Eternal priest is happy with you,
Though it may seem a thankless service,
Thanksgiving (Eucharist) which you celebrate each day is already an assurance.
FR JOHNVIANNEY, do not be amazed that you were called to this vocation,
For nobody takes this honour upon himself,
Christ became man to save and divinize us,
Therefore, your priestly call is an extension of the perpetuation of Christ’s mandate: HOC FACITE IN MEAM COMEMMORATIONEM.
FR EBERECHUKWU, your willing expression is a positive move towards your response at the ordination day on 9th September 2006,
The angels of God will ever be near you to guide you,
You are already being used in the perpetuation of the divine mandate,
This is obvious in your assignments of the formation of future priests.
The OKIGWE NWE OKIGWE PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION (ONOPRA) is happy with what you doing in the seminary,
Your chaplaincy is an extension of the your task and direct contact with the faithful,
OUR BLESSED VIRGIN MARY will ever be praying for you,
Be not afraid and be of good cheers.
REV FR PAUL IKECHKWU OGUJIOFFOR (member of ONOPRA)
MOTTO: SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM
OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA
(SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA PARROCCHIA MANZANO-ARCIDIOCESI DI UDINE ITALIA, from 1st July – 6th September 2009).
CONGRATULATIONS REV FR STANLEY MASILOMPANA OF ARCHDIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA, ON YOUR 2ND PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY TODAY 14TH APRIL 2009.
The call to the catholic sacred priesthood is summarized in sacrifice, obedience and holiness of life,
To mere man there is an ontological transformation and transfiguration,
This phenomenon is a mystery and a form of re-presentation of Christ the high priest,
Indeed by sacred ordination you, MASILOMPANA STANLEY is an ALTER CHRISTI acting IN PERSONA CHRISTI.
On Saturday Octave of Easter Year C, 14th April 2007,
You were ontological transformed by Christ to be his priest for ever, at REGINA MUNDI PARISH SOWETO,
Under the Apostolic succession of the prelate Archbishop BUTI THAGALEN,
You, FR MASILOMPANA STANLEY made a promise to God before the Christians.
Today 14th April 2009 as we are rejoicing in Octave of the Paschal mystery,
I thank God in your person for you are an ordinary minister for the celebration of this Paschal mystery,
In your action as a priest we see the re-enactment of the mystery of HOC FACITE IN MEAM COMMEMORATIONEM,
In this I say Ad Mayorem Gloriam Dei in the Lord’s vineyard.
I humbly and sincerely wish to call your mind back on the that faithful ordination day Saturday 14th April 2007,
Always remember the re-echoing instructions of Christ the high priest through the Mother Church,
“Teach what you believe, practice what you teach and imitate the mystery you celebrate daily”,
Never forget your humble response when with a symbolic and liturgical body contact the bishop asked you: “Do you promise obedience to me and my successors?” You answered “I do”.
FR MASILOMPANA, let these instructions be a vademecum to you,
FR STANLEY, may this mystery of “eternal-now” continue to be experienced in you,
FR MASILOMPANA, two years in the catholic priesthood is not two months, two weeks, two days, two hours, two minutes or two seconds but full time of total consolidation and configuration into the sublime call of sacrifice, obedience and holiness of life,
Therefore, FR STANLEY, I say congratulations to you on this your priestly anniversary.
FR MASILOMPANA, I sincerely wish to comment on your person,
On Christmas 2008 I came personally in contact with you at the Santuario Monasterio di Montevergine Mercogliano,
You really touched my life with your priestly qualities,
I see in you an honest, simple, open-minded, charitable, outspoken, duty conscious, genuine love of priestly life and service culminated in sacrifice, obedience and holiness of life.
This year 2009, as you are celebrating your 2nd year in the Lord’s vineyard,
I came in contact with you again during this Paschal Feast in the Monastery of Montevergine,
My knowledge about you is consolidated,
As I enrich myself with your deep priestly thoughts on our lives as priests.
As I congratulate you today 14th April 2009, in your 2nd year anniversary as a priest,
Always remember what you are,
For, Nemo sibi sacerdos- No one is priest for himself, said St. John Chrysostom,
Therefore, let these be your vademecum:
R – ROLAYTY is the life of catholic priesthood.
E – ENTER the altar of sacrifice with pure heart always.
V - VALUE your call as priest and VISIT the BLESSED SACRAMENT often, it strengthens your priestly spirituality.
F – FIND joy in your life as a catholic priest.
R – RENEW your relationship with God in the sacrament of penance often.
S – SACRIFICE is synonymous to our lives as priests; hence embrace it in your assignments.
T- TAKE every opportunity you meet in life as a means of enriching others spiritually, morally and intellectually too.
A – ACCEPT the things you cannot change in life.
N – NOTHING should come as exchange for your priestly service to others.
L – LIFE of sacrifice without a sacrifice is a contradiction and a debasement to the priestly vocation.
E – ENDURANCE is a sine qua non in your daily activities as a priest with others.
Y – YOU are a source of enlightenment to people, ipso facto; draw them out from their ‘allegory of the cage’.
M- MAINTAIN your priestly dignity always.
A – ADMIT your nothingness before God that he may shower his abundant graces on you.
S – STUDY daily, in so doing you will always be a school to many.
I – IMITATE Christ the high priest.
L – LOWER yourself before others that they may experience Christ in you.
O – OBEDIENCE in the priesthood brings about the tranquility of mind and body in your service and life as a catholic priest.
M – MAKE your visit to people pastoral no matter how short or casual it may be, in so doing you increase the urge for the service of God and too foster vocation to the priesthood and religious life, without your knowledge.
P – PUT the interest of the church and others first always, that God will be your reciprocity.
A – “AGE quod AGIS” is a key to your health as a person more so in your life as a priest.
N – NEVER give the devil a chance in your life.
A – APPRECIATION to God’s gift to others, transforms your imperfection into virtue.
Once again congratulations on your sacerdotal anniversary. Tui est sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordine Melchizedek.
A.M.G.D.
Your brother-priest,
Rev Fr Paul Ikechukwu Ogujioffor
OKIGWE-DIOCESE NIGERIA.
REV FR JUSTIN CHIGOZIE NWOKEOCHA OF UMULEWE AMOSU UMULOLO OF OKIGWE DIOCESE IS ONE YEAR IN THE PRIESTHOOD TODAY 16TH AUGUST 2009, AS HE CELEBRATED HIS 32RD BIRTHDAY ON 27/07/09
Behold him, the first priest of his town UMULEWE AMOSU UMULOLO-OKIGWE,
Behold FR JUSTIN who, right from his seminary days have been very industrious,
Behold FR CHIGOZIE, an author and a prolific writer,
His “intellectual-deposits” are scattered over very many journals as “MEMORABILIA” in the academic world.
FR JUSTIN, your “auxiliary-ship” at ST. PETER’S SEMINARY OKIGWE after your philosophy course at ST. JOSEPH’S MAJOR SEMINARY IKOT EKPENE is still fresh in the minds of most of the seminarians who met you,
Your virtues and qualities are still repeated by seminarians whenever they write or call me on phone,
Your academic determination have been copied by very many seminarians,
FR CHIGOZIE, please keep the balls rolling unto good.
Your closeness to the Diocesan secretariat Okigwe up till now is welcomed with joy,
The OKIGWE NWE OKIGWE PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION (ONOPRA) is happy and proud of your sacrifices,
You are a worthy brother in the priesthood,
Never cease in your sacrifices, obedience and holiness of life.
FR JUSTIN, your simplicity and humane nature is a testimony,
Never grow weary in your endeavours,
Like your Patron, Saint Justin, continue in the defense of faith,
Be strong in your apostolate for we are one in union with prayers.
Remember always that the priesthood is all about SACRIFICE, OBEDIENCE and HOLINESS OF LIFE,
Therefore, always meditate on those precious words of ordination exhortation:
BELIEVE WHAT YOU TEACH, PRACTISE WHAT YOU PREACH AND IMITATE THE MYSTERY YOU CELEBRATE,
By so doing, you are already an oblation, victim and sacrifice.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
REV FR PAUL IKECHKWU OGUJIOFFOR (member of ONOPRA)
MOTTO: SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM
OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA
(SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA PARROCCHIA MANZANO-ARCIDIOCESI DI UDUNE ITALIA, from 1st July – 6th September 2009).
REV FR DESMOND AMAECHI EMEFURU OF UMUAWA-OGII IN OKIGWE DIOCESE CELEBRATES HIS 1ST YEAR PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY TODAY 16TH AUGUST 2009.
Who can ever believe that the long aged knot can be loosened for good and prosperity?
This is the religious history of UMUAWA OGII-OKIGWE in particular,
FR DESMOND AMAECHI EMEFURU congratulations for your spiritual break-through,
It was indeed never an easy road as the famous hymn in the seminary formation has it: “IS NOT AN EASY ROAD…”
The 16th August 2008 will ever remain green in the minds of UMUAWA-OGII inhabitants,
This is the day when the long aged aphorism: CAN ANY THING GOOD COME FROM UMUAWA-OGII was spiritually demolished,
It opened a bright way of immortality to the priestly and religious life,
The answer is simple; PATIENCE IS EVER THE KEY TO ENLIGHTENMENT.
This ENLIGHTENMENT is codified in AMAECHI and IFEANYICHUKWU,
Your patience and strong determination during your seminary days were clear evidence,
The things that come your way in the seminary days should always be spiritual and moral ingredients to spur you up,
Let those past days continue to furnish you with spiritual strength.
FR DESMOND AMAECHI EMEFURU is an icon and guru,
Your deep academic thoughts recorded within and outside the seminary journals are enlightenment nutrients in the world of academics,
Your editorship and contributions in the journals has left an imprint in the sand of time,
Your strong moral and spiritual character is a form VADEMECUM for all who have come in contact with you.
FR DESMOND AMAECHI EMEFURU, please continue in your good apostolate,
OKIGWE NWE OKIGWE PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS (ONOPRA) is wishing you well,
We are happy that you are one of us,
May we continue to encourage each other by the good acts demanded of us by the Eternal priest, Christ the Lord. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
REV FR PAUL IKECHKWU OGUJIOFFOR (member of ONOPRA)
MOTTO: SENTIAM CHRISTUM IN VITA MEAM
OKIGWE DIOCESE NIGERIA
(SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA PARROCCHIA MANZANO-ARCIDIOCESI DI UDINE ITALIA, from 1st July – 6th September 2009).
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SILVER JUBILEE (25 YEARS) OF PRIESTLY SERVICE VERY REV MONSIGNOR FORTUNATUS NWACHUKWU (HEAD OF PROTOCOL AT VATICAN SECRETARIAT OF STATE ON THIS DAY 20TH JUNE 2009.
“I am present, ready and willing”,
These were the exact words of Msgr Fortunatus Nwachukwu,
On June 17, 1984 at his ordination Mass by Most Rev Dr Anthony Gogo Nwedo Cssp (of blessed memory) the then Bishop of Umuahia Diocese,
That he responsed with joy and enthusiasm when he was called.
25 years after he re-echoed with more fortified voice,
“Ego mitte me Domine”,
I am not surprise about it,
Because his life as a priest for the past 25 years has been that of fortune grounded with selfless sacrifices.
His life as a priest have been loaded with tough responsibilities in the Church,
Immediately after his ordination he was posted to Immaculate Conception Seminary Ahiaeke-Umuahia to help in the formation of future priests also with other assignments,
That, he joyfully and sacrificially did from 1984 – 1986 when he was sent to Rome for further studies bearing in mind the harder task ahead his priestly ministry,
Oh what an extraordinary humble and obedient priest.
His coming to Rome for studies fortified his priestly and academic life that made him an expert on Scripture as biblical scholar, dogmatician and a diplomat,
All these enveloped in his priestly life and his service to the Church in general,
To all these qualifications he is still so humble and simple in nature,
Indeed he is a holy priest.
His diplomatic service in the Church has led him to many countries and places,
We also give credit to his humble family of Nwachukwu in NTIGHA ISIALA NGWA NORTH L.G.A. Abia State in ABA DIOCESE,
He is a linguist, guru and genus,
Above all he cherished his priesthood more than all these.
His burning zeal in service and total dedicatedness to duty,
Saw his elevation as a monsignor and subsequently as the Head of protocol at the Vatican Secretariat of state, having worked as Papal Nuncio to many places,
All these he conscientiously carried out,
To God be the glory in all these.
Msgr Fortunatus, “Tui est sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech”,
Msgr Nwachukwu, you have been saying “Misericordias tuas Domine in aeternum cantabo” with your golden and thrilling voice,
Because you are a priest you constantly say “Ego autem cum iustitia apparebo in conspectu tuo, satiabur dum manifestabitur gloria tua”,
For 25 years Msgr Nwachukwu had been sharing in the configuration of Christ’s priesthood, for “Christus verus aeternusque sacerdos, formam sacrificii perennis instituens, hostiam tibi se primus obtulit salutarem, et nos, in sui memoriam, praecepit offerre”.
Msgr Fortunatus Nwachukwu as you rejoice in this sublime gift of God to man after 25 years, I humbly wish to say these:
R – REACH to people Christ at all time in your priestly service.
E – ENTER the altar always with pure heart.
V – VOCATION to the priesthood is a privilege not a right.
M – MAINTAIN your dignity always.
S – SANCTITY of life ought to be constant.
G – GATHER all who come to you for Christ.
R – REMAIN in union with Christ always.
F – FOCUS your mind to eternity in your daily services.
O – OUTSTANDING ought to be your holistic presentation of your priestly integrity.
R – ROYALTY is this call for service.
T – TOUCH holistically all that come to you.
U – UNITE people by presence always.
N – NEVER take any temptation as small.
A – ADMIT the things you cannot change in life.
T – TEACH in every circumstance as a priest.
U – UNDER the guidance of the Holy Spirit no evil shall touch you.
S – SAVE people with the sacrament of reconciliation.
N – NEVER forget your primary duty as a priest.
W – WATCH and pray as to overcome the devil in any form.
A – ANSWER ALWAYS, “I am present, ready and willing” in your assignments.
C – CONSOLIDATE your response each day.
H – HOLD firm your virtues always.
U – UTILIZE your opportunity to prepare for heaven.
K – KINDNESS should flow from your being.
W – WISDOM of God ought to be prayed for all the time.
U – UNION with God is eternity.
I therefore pray God to continue to strengthen you in your daily services,
May he forgive your past,
May he bless your present,
May he continue to nourish your future.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always cover you with her mantle of purity. Amen.
Congratulations on your joyful, mature, delicate and sacrificial mission of Christ which you are involve.
From, REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR (a formator in St. Peter’s Seminary Okigwe from 10th September 1999 – 28th August 2007) an Okigwe Diocesan priest, presently a student of LITURGY in PONTIFICIA UNIVERSITA’ DELLA SANTA CROCE ROMA.
CHRISTIAN STRUGGLE TOWARDS A DAILY SPIRITUAL PERFECTION BY REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR
Our decision voluntarily to follow God leaving our past and old life in place of new life in Christ is what God prefers most from us, as was the case of Mary Magdalene. Faith and good work go together, Martha combined both, and hence we ought to do same always. The incomprehensibility of God is a mystery which we offer and that we ought to appreciate in our daily struggles for it will go a long way in elevating our character. We ought to know that the devil is ever ready to put us off from God; hence we ought to be careful. Nothing should come between God and our rightful decisions to follow him. Holiness attracts, hence this relationship with holy people ought to be encouraged. The avoidance of the devil is not only by our fasting from food or drink, but we can avoid the devil by our work when we commend them to God, as we do them religiously and devoutly. Our eternity and position before God is what we make of it personally and subjectively.
For perfection in the spiritual life, the obedience of the will helps in the mortification and ascetic life hence there are enrichment of the knowledge and increase in virtue. The spirit of detachment in spiritual life increases the imitation of Christ’s love in us. The life of a monk is spiritually fruitful if there is a search to be perfect through fear of God and diligence. By this diligence, the celestial journey is channeled directly without much distraction. The life of servants of God is, and ought to be a sign of contradiction to the world, for the world loves what is properly hers. Our trust and faith in God should not be like that of the Israelites when they deserted and worshipped a golden calf as God. Therefore, perfection in virtues is easily arrived where love and humility are applied with prudence added to it. Our fight towards materialism ought to be good when we sincerely denounce what we attach ourselves by our hearts, if not it may lead us to abject “spiritual-materialism”. Renunciation is a true gift from the inner self because of sincere love of God. God can never allow us to embrace a cross more than our capability and faith in him, but cross is essentially necessary to us all. As Christians, we cannot claim any personal perfection without the help of God. Our spiritual growth is enlightened and nourished by God through our little accord.
Our virtues are ought to be observed and experienced by others so that God is glorified by the assignments given to us for the spiritual and moral growth of others. Spiritual and moral tepidity grow rapidly by our lax and laziness combined with wickedness. Nobody is able to defect the devil if not the grace of God abounds in him. Therefore our spirit is fortified by God, that our will may be able to follow our heart’s desires overcoming the evil inclination in us. The constant struggle or fight against luxuries and pleasures of the flesh are ever supported by the power of Holy Spirit. In self disciplining of the flesh, we become chaste. Sanctity has no half measure way, it is not mediocrity but ever with an igniting flame of love. Carnality is of childish spirituality. Animalistic nature in spiritual life is governed by instincts. Good spiritual man uses well the spiritual power of the will to graduate with prudence in his relationship with God vis-à-vis his fellow human being. The love of excessive possession of the worldly things and property, and adherent to them pollutes always our spirituality and puts a great question mark on our personal holiness, even as a monk, a priest, religious and lay faithful.
Through thorough examination of Serapion ideas on eight capital vices in his conference as seen in John Cassian work: The Conferences Book V, I; it reveals that gluttony and fornication have both at the same time natural and unnatural characters for them to be consummated. Ipso facto, each of us needs a strong desire and actual practice of bodily discipline via vigilance, abstinence, prayer, penance, physical rejection, etc, which will be accompanied by a strong will of the mind. Gluttony, pride and vainglory can easily lead us to “spiritual-materialism” to satisfy our “ego” and not living well a good spiritual life. From the fall of man, the devil tactically uses litany of sins to enslave man gradually when he proves tough to him, until he (devil) is able to win but persistently with Christian struggle we can overcome. The first six vices: gluttony, fornication, filargyria – which is avarice or love of money, anger, sadness and acedia – which is anxiety or weariness of heart; (the 7th is cenodoxia, which is boastfulness or vainglory and the 8th is pride) are interlocked that they are almost practiced because of their web-net; hence the avoidance must start “sui generis”. Gluttony knows no shame; hence it degrades the dignity of someone and that of a priest, monk, religious or laity, hence “in medio virtu stat”. The flame of that which is ignited by fornication is so devastating to the spirit and body that a fornicator needed strict discipline of the self as to stop it (cfr. Ecclesiasticus 23: 16-17). Good spiritual life is ever dynamic in the practice of virtue and it abhors sin. When we relax for a moment as a result of overcoming temptations, the devil tricks us into a more shameful sin.
Prayer is never adhoc venture, but rather a serene preparedness to meet and commence with God. All things being equal, the life of prayer is an antidote to the passion which is not perfected by our struggle against evil. Work is a form of prayer, hence an excellent application of our talents and love of God. The vocabularies used by St. Paul with reference to communication to and with God, thus: supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving (1 Tim 2:1) are summarized in the person and mission of Christ, the Incarnate Word hence, by these forms we are simply identifying with Christ who is the VIA, VERITAS et VITA. Thanksgiving [Eucharist] as a form of prayer summarizes others and is a major and a re-presentation of prayer object - Christ, the Paschal Mystery. Therefore, contemplative and practical ingredients are needed as to reach the goal or end of our prayer life.
Prayer transforms the whole personality and even the mode of thinking, thereby making anew all about the self. The transformation intrinsic in prayer gives hope, and fortifies the virtue that humility is personified in us and by consciousness and conscientiousness; these are transmitted easily to others. This acknowledgment of our nothingness before the Most High God gives us the chance of shaming the devil. Constancy in practice makes permanent, even so in prayer. Prayer is both an act and a thought, therefore constant vigil in it produces a solid and unshakeable character of the soul and body, even when the body is weak, and the soul is ever agile to carry along the whole self.
Perfection is not possible without love and detachment, even when one is immersed into wealth or in the world. There is need for constant solitude and alone with God in our active work or apostolate. In a community living, perfection is obtainable through good examples and koinonia. Sincere love and fear of God breeds the perfect willingness in the practice of virtue, and an interior purity or chastity exemplified. The need of personal sacrifice for the love of God cannot be overemphasized in Christian perfection.
According to St. Thomas, ‘nihil est intellectum non quod primus furiet in sensum’, therefore for perfect chastity, the body’s abstinence from immoral acts ought to be strongly followed by a firm intellectual prohibition of the thoughts or ideas circumventing the sins of impurity. The body only confirms the actions already done in the mind; therefore we always ought to be fighting against the concupiscence of the flesh and the eyes (1 Jn 2:16). The passion of the flesh is very volatile hence with the grace of God, built on the struggling nature we can win. Untamed and uneducated Christian spirituality possesses the filthy and shadow minded character with less deep self control, which leads to constant life of lust and licentiousness. Sexuality is a gift from God, with the chemistry of the body, the physical and biological functions are ever at work and dynamic. Hence, care be must be taken that the dynamism in the chemistry ought to be regulated with the spiritual and moral principles of the will. This regulation and discipline of the biological senses finds tranquility in the continence.
The Psalmist said: ‘If the Lord does not watch the city, in vain do the watchmen keep vigil’ Ps 126: 1. Though the Lord guides us in all our ways, we shall not keep our fingers crossed without making efforts on life. Therefore carefulness and vigilance is highly needed for our spiritual growth. God continues to shower his abundant favours on us irrespective of our inability to ask for healing and protection.
After each sincere sacramental confession, one actually feels light and being relieved of a big weight of timber in his life. This is consequent to the contrite, repentance and reparation done. The fruit of good repentance restore the spiritual dignity and renew the virtuous life which is illumined and graced by the divine flame of the Holy Spirit. This is because there always exists scar or wound of sin in our hearts and intellects, even after metanoia, therefore constant trust and hope in the Lord is very necessary. A devout acceptance of one’s nothingness before God increases the speed of reparation.
The images and thoughts we busy ourselves with during the day time comes to us as a reality in the dream at night. This buttresses the Thomistic fact that, nihil est intellectum non quod primus furiet in sensum. Ipso facto, the discipline of the senses constantly is a sure way in which we can build up our spiritual life. Being immaculate implies without sin. In Christian life we are called to holiness, the power of being immaculate is the same as the person and dignity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Christians more so priests and religious, our dignity is intrinsic in being immaculate.
Conscious rejection or detachment from what gives us happiness even when it is so dear to us brings us to the world of mortification. We ought to feel this sentiment on our body that it may be really fruitful in our spiritual life; the feelings should be a constant practice and not just once. The act of charity needed a lot of patience to be present before we can joyfully carry it out.
Rev Fr Paul Ikechukwu Ogujioffor is a priest-student in Pontificia Università della Santa Croce Roma.
HAPPY WISHES OF WHAT TRUE VALENTINE IS!!! BY PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR ( FR)
V – VALUE other people first, in this consists of true valentine.
A – APPRECIATE the positive and good qualities of others, this is true valentine.
L – LET goodness be associated with you in all your dealings with others, for this is true valentine.
E – EVERY moment with a true friend is Godly, this is true valentine.
N – NOTHING is too great or too small when it comes from a sincere heart for there you find true valentine.
T – TOTAL sacrifice from you to others, though may not be quantified depicts a true valentine.
I – INSERT your whole person into the heart of others for good, there you find a true valentine.
N – NEVER deceive others in the name of valentine for it is unequivocal to true valentine.
E – EMPTY yourself for the moral and spiritual growth of others, this is true valentine personified.
Therefore, Valentine is all that is well and vigorous, in the priestly or consecrated life it is a true martyrdom for the love of our apostolate, and as lay faithful following Christ with every amount of total trust in all his teachings. Happy Val. St. Valentine, pray for us.
Please it will please me most if i am connected to Rev. Father PETER EBUBENNA ANYANWU. I lost contact with him since 2001 when he served as Secretary to Bishop emeritus ANTHONY ILUONU, former Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese. Please he can contact me by these numbers 08059238182 or 07036548778 or with this email address: [email protected]. Thanks and God bless”
ADVENT THE YEAR OF THE LORD 2010 [A]
Behold an ever dynamic liturgical structure in motion in and with a cycle nature, no knot but with “mysterious-tie” the person of EMMANUEL – GOD WITH US in a MARANATHA hymn. Such is the story in our life of spirituality and moral rectitude; therefore let us behold the human language of soteriology, ADVENT it is called. Ipso facto, let us see it in this form:
A – ACCEPTING the reality that we are in and of history of soteriology, therefore my sacramental life ought to be renewed very often.
D – DOING all things in conformity with the will of God over us, hence trying the possible best to avoid sin at all times.
V – VENERATING with total trust in the prophetic hymn of Maranatha – Come Lord Jesus, thereby making my spiritual life to be in concomitant with the liturgical piety.
E – EXPECTING the God-Man with total faith of “hic et nunc”, thereby living devotedly in strong imitation and identification of Christ – the VERBUM INCARNATUM.
N – NEVER lack hope, for this is really an eschatological advent, renewed each time in the Preface of the death: Tuis enim fidelibus Domine vita mutatur non tollitur-Lord, for your faithful people life is changed but not ended.
T – TRANSFORM your spiritual and moral orientation to march with the spirit of the Advent season, ipso facto, Et dissoluta terrestris huius incolatus domo aeterna in caelis habitatio comparatur-When the body of our earthly dwellings lies in death we gain an everlasting place in heaven.
ADVENT SEASONAL GREETINGS TO YOU
Rev Fr Paul Ikechukwu Ogujioffor
ROMA
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2010