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Vocationews
*Vol. III No.
By
Although the vocation to the priesthood is one of the
many Christian vocations the priestly vocation has an exceptional
character since it is that vocation that offers a Christian the singular possibilities of participating more directly in the very life and ministry
of Christ himself. The priest has "been chosen among God's people"
for this unique vocation. The very
important nature of this vocation
notwithstanding, it would be inappropriate - if not deceptive - to draw undue
comparison between the priestly vocation and other vocations in
the church. Such comparison becomes unnecessary when one considers different
Christian vocations from the perspective of their overall aim. All Christian
vocations are geared towards salvation and this is what is important. In other
words each vocation gains in importance to the measure it helps the Christian
realize this overall supreme objective.
Viewed from this perspective, a
Christian vocation to the marital life is as important as the vocation to
work as a religious. Equally the
numerous vocations being offered by the
lay-apostolate are as important as each other. It is therefore the duty of
every Christian to learn to appreciate the role the different vocations could play in the overall aim of our Christian commitment. Where this point
is not clearly grasped, one could make the terrible mistake of fixing his mind
on a particular vocation even if it has been found out that he cannot
reasonably attain the overall aim of
his Christian commitment through his vocation of desire. As long as ones primary objectives
are serving God and contributing to the growth of the
NEWS FROM ANNUNCIATION SEMINARY
His Lordship let the fathers know of his
plans to start immediately with the building of an ultramodern chapel at the seminary venue.
The fathers welcomed the idea and pledged their support for the realization of
this great project. When completed the chapel would serve not only the
spiritual needs of the seminary but that of
the diocese in general.The vicar general called on the priests to
support the enormous work of training seminarians. He stressed the need to
recommend only those children for admission into the junior seminary who
sincerely express the desire to become priests . The priests agreed with the
vicar general that this could help to cheek
incidents of break down of law and order at the seminary. The work going
on at the science block of the seminary is now almost completed.
From Our 1992 Apostolic Work Report :
"Though,
the station is very small, with a population of about 115 people, yet, they are
not lagging behind in things that pertain to the church. The people are mostly
farmers and as a result, it debars some of their male grown-ups from attending
morning prayers. Nevertheless, the turn-up is very much encouraging and I am
optimistic that they will do better if attention is given to them by giving them some instructions on the
happenings in the church. ...They accorded me a warm reception and came to my
assistance each time I needed their attention. And this, thanks to their
able-bodied and committed catchiest Mr. Athanasius who was always around to
give me some of the information about the station. He also conducted me to the
families of each member of the church on a house to house visit during which
time some of their problems were listened to, solutions given and prayers said
for them" Jephtha Asuoha at Holy Ghost
Umuekene (Regina Pacis, Amaudara).
"St.
Augustine's Catholic church is actually the smallest station under St. Anthony's
parish Mbawsi. The station is about four miles away from the parish center.
Being the smallest among the 22 out stations of Mbawsi parish, it has a total
number of 37 Catholics ( Men = 5, Women = 7 and Children = 25). As things are,
the station catchiest comes from his village which is also far from the station
due to the fact that they cannot provide a catchiest house. However, the people
are indeed generous and kind. For them to progress, they need financial and
moral support from all corners of the Diocese." Emmanuel Anaba at
"I
arrived
"I
did my next work at St. Peter's Ndiakata. Precisely this is a Catholic
Community with the largest number of Catholics within the parish, ranging about
three thousand. Here the Catholics are very much eager to selfless sacrifice,
they are people with humor. They make a lot of effort to see that things move
very swiftly in their station. Also worth mentioning is their care to me, they
did their best to see that my work was successful. Though they are having the
problem of distance from their station
to the parish center, more or less this hampers some of their movement to the
parish center Ohuru. I also commend that the church here has grown very well to
maturity. They can carry out any task given to them in the parish very
easily." Kingsley Atubi at Ndiakata (St. Jude's Ohuru).
"The people of Umuacha - St. Michael's have attained a good height of spirituality, especially in the
area of love of God. This they manifested by building a hospital/maternity
which they recently handed over to the Bishop on the 31st of July 1992. This
hospital is to be run by the Daughters of Divine Love (DDL)." Callistus
nwachukwu at St. Michael's Umuacha (Mbutu Ngwa Parish).
"The
second station I worked in was St. Mary's Usaka. Usaka is covered by Protestants and they have a greater number
of worshippers in this area. this affected the catholic church very much. St.
Mary's has a total population of fifty people. ..irrespective of their number,
they are cooperative, generous, always zealous for spiritual exercises"
Ogbonna Basil in St. Mary's Usaka (Nvosi Parish).
"Ohuhu
Nsulu is remarkable in one thing, they care and exhibit good sense of fraternal treatment to
seminarians. ...The turnout of their Christian fathers is poor and pitiable.
Many exempt themselves from morning prayers and even Sunday masses. .. their
Christian mothers were the only section that kept the station going. ... there
is also an amazing laziness among the youths. They shy away and fail blindly to
identify themselves in the mission. They isolate and distance the church as if
the church is a war front and unrewarding
exercise." Gerald Ogbuja in Ohuhu
Nsulu ( Mbawsi Parish).
"Our
work was auspicious from the start, the Rector and his vice being conscientious
and benevolent. ... it took me no time to discover that the students are
obedient and well behaved, respecting authorities inspite of their fame in
recalcitrance . T hough we had few stubborn ones who were really hard nuts and
thorns in our flesh, they came only from the senior classes. And they would
yield to the right thing much later on application of force in form of
flogging, labor, and suspension where persuasion has failed." Anthony
Dimkpa at Annunciation Seminary
Amaudara.
"Here
only two families are indigines while others are non-indigines. This station as
I was made to understand began in 1989, created out from Umuakwa center. One
thing peculiar to this station is that every body is faithful and practicing
despite few problems facing this station. Within this three years , the members
have succeeded in acquiring a land for the erection of their church building at
the price of N18,000. Furthermore, all plans to begin the building is almost
being concluded, which means that before the year runs out or early next year
they will begin it." Bonaventure
Akwarandu at C. K. C., Ihie (Obehie Asa Parish).
"I
visited all the catholic families as well as some Protestant families. I
discovered that some of our Catholics are suffering from sickness and poverty
in that it prevents them from the reception of sacraments and proper training
of their children." Alexander
Okonkwor at St. Peter's Asa-Amator (St. Mary's
Ariaria).
"In
my interview with most of the members, I found out that
they gossip a lot and this has made them to be closing their mouth when
something in going wrong. Before I left, I tried my best to bring these things to order. Generally, they
find it hard to have confession due to the fact that they have only a priest
taking care of about seventeen stations." Chinedu Ezennabudo in Good
shepherd Umuvo (Mbutu Ngwa parish).
"During
my stay at the parish center, I was unable to measure up with the life there,
because of the method of prayer (THOUGHTLESS)
but with time I tried to adapt to the situation. Furthermore, we were
compelled to see vision which we could not and as a result of that, we were starve
for some ways: though we did not see at last. Our work was much centered
on the Healing Ministry than that of pastoral work, however, we did our best to
teach catechism to the youth. In general, their response was poor, some of the
faithful do not attend service because they complained that the system of
conducting Sunday service is different from the way Catholics do. However, I find out that the priest is a man of
prayer and a hardworking priest." Joseph Ubani at St. Mary's Azumini.
"Home
visitation was one of the outstanding tasks which I did everything at my
disposal to accomplish. The homes which I visited within the period of my
apostolic work received me and showed me that sense of affinity which is rooted
in our Love to Jesus Christ Our Savior. During these visitations, I prayed for
those in sick bed and consoled those who seem not to see anything in the saving
power of Christ due to the hardships they are experiencing, that they should
take heart and always trust in God
because he knows all our needs." Nwambu Paul at Eziama Station (Ntigha Parish).
"On
arriving at the seminary on 14th of October, 1992 I was dazzled by
"her" beauty. She has changed to be a beautiful modern school with
her beautiful buildings and trees which have a dual function of providing
shelter and protecting the school from
water or /and wind erosion. I wasn't hoping for anything new. As a pioneer seminarian of the seminary, I guess I
already had my experiences as a student but being again in the school not as a
student rather as one of the authorities in my own level made the world of
difference.. ...The school that I supposed would be in a state of anarchy was in fact, lawful and
law abiding. The problem here is that the so-called seniors (SSII) would want
to be policed before doing anything but with time they learnt the right thing to do whenever the bell went for
any exercise". Innocent Ibeh at Annunciation Seminary Amaudara.
"The
people welcomed me very well. They have no church building presently. They
worship at a primary school hall and have no church seats. The place is a
Protestant dominated area. There are about 15 different Protestant
denominations in the place. They do not have religious societies in the
station. Sequel to this, I had to introduce the 'Block Rosary Crusade' during
my apostolic work. The problem in vogue there now is people leaving the church
for the so-called Pentecostal churches, due to ailments precisely." Uko
Fidelis at St. Patrick's Umunteke - Asa
(
"They
had about 1,200 people in the parish center where I worked. And about 150
candidates for confirmation. The
Christian mothers are trying their best among all others. The problem in vogue
there is lateness and the people leaving the church for the so-called Sabbath
church. The parish priest celebrates mass with the faithful daily" Ifebi
Chike at St. Odilia's Akpaa. To be
continued!!
CHRONICLES:
The
retreat of the fathers organized by the vocations ministry took place at the prayer center of St. Mary's Azumini from 13 - 16 of July
1992. The event was preceded by the
blessing of the ultramodern prayer center erected by Rev. Fr. Ifanyi Anozie and
his group: "Prayer Ministry Of Jesus Crucified". The Retreat
moderator Rev. Fr. Dr. Kevin Madu spoke on the spirit of the priesthood. The
fathers highly appreciated and
treasured the retreat.
From July 5, 1992 to
August 15, 1992, there was a series of ordinations for the diocese. His
Lordship accompanied by the vocations director
gave the people of
The
first batch of the religious profession of the DMMM took place at Christ The
King Cathedral Aba. Of the 55 novices due for profession this year 272 were professed in
Aba diocese. The congregation thanked God for the continuos increase
in religious vocation and prayed also
that all laborers in the vine yard do their work fruitfully.
For
the first time in the history of their congregation, the DDL sisters took
appointment in the diocese of Aba. His Lordship accompanied by priests of the
diocese welcomed the sisters to their
new area of assignment at Umuacha, Mbutu Ngwa. His Lordship thanked them
for accepting the responsibility of propagating the faith at this part of the
diocese through their special vocation as medical personnel. The sisters on
their part pledged to do their best and keep the light of faith burning
brightly .
Annual
Consultation with the bishop:
The
apostolic work for this year was concluded on July 11, 1992. The seminarians assembled early enough for
the annual consultation with the bishop. Already at
EVENTS:
The
diaconate ordination and installations have been scheduled for December 12//13, 1992. On
The
annual meeting of the candidates for
diaconate ordination with the bishop and his assistants is scheduled for December 9 to 12, 1992. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Onwumere will expound the content and implications of canons 1040
- 1049 to the candidates on Wednesday
December 9, 1992. The vocation director will talk to the
deacons on
The
vicariate examination has been scheduled for EASTER
Each
seminary is to send a representative for the meeting with the vocation director
at the chancery on Easter
VOCATION SUNDAY:
Vocation Sunday will be celebrated on the 4th
Sunday after Easter: Awareness should be created about sponsoring
seminarians by willing individuals and
groups in the parishes. We should start
early enough to plan for this great event.
DATA-PROCESSING:
The course: "Rudiments Of Data-processing" being organized by the
vocations ministry will commence for all seminarians on apostolic work on
VOCATIONS
COORDINATION:
There
will be a meeting for diocesan vocations coordination on Monday March 1, 1993.
All religious communities resident and working in the diocese are to send
representatives. Venue is the chancery. Time: 9.30 a.m.
CONGRATULATIONS:
The
vocations ministry congratulates our
seven new priests and wishes them very fruitful apostolate.
The vocations ministry congratulates the
following: Amaechi Innocent was admitted into the diocese and is now doing his
apostolic work at Annunciation seminary Amaudara. Adiukwu Richard won the prize
for being the best behaved seminarian in his class (4th year Philosophy 1991/92
The
results of the vicariate examination are out. The seminarians passed the
examination very well. The vocations
ministry congratulates all seminarians who have been promoted this year.
Ironuma
Donatus is now back to the seminary at Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu. He is in
3rd year Theology. Anthony Omenihu has
transferred from Seat Of Wisdom Seminary Owerri to Bigard Memorial Seminary
Enugu. We wish them success in their new campus.
The following seminarians
are doing their spiritual year at Nativity Spiritual Seminary Ozu-Abam:
Chileke Cletus, Chukwuma Anthony, Egbulefu Charles, Ekpendu Chide, Ibe
Innocent, Ibekwe Innocent, Madugha Christopher, Mbagwu Kenneth, Ogbonna
Kingsley, Okite Donatus, Okoli Augustine, Onwuka Donald, Onyechesi Longinus,
Opuehi Jerome, Felix Okafor.
those for first year philosophy 1992/1993 are: Agbara Dominic, Mbahaotu Paul,
Nwaubani Jude, Umekwe Peter, and Onuoha Oliver (Bigard Memorial Seminary
Enugu); Aloka Kenneth and Ikeocha Charles (Seat Of Wisdom Seminary Owerri);
Akwari Godwin, Emedolu Christian, Nwankpa Augustine and Nwaobasi Alfred (St.
Joseph's Seminary Ikot Ekpene).
Umeh
Emmanuel and Alaribe Felix have successfully completed their one year diocesan assignment at Annunciation
seminary Amaudara. The vocations ministry thanks them for the wonderful help to
our seminary. The following seminarians have been posted to the seminary to
take their place: Kanu Victor, Nwachukwu Callistus, Nwedo Peter, Okpalaunegbu
Charles and Okwara Emmanuel.
STATISTICS:
Aba
Diocese has the following number of seminarians for the 1992/93 academic year:
Annunciation
Seminary Amaudara: 295 junior seminarians. Bigard Memorial Seminary
1991/92 : 1992/93:
Philosophy:
One 5 11
Two 10
5
Three 7
10
Four 17
6
Total 39
32
Theo.
:
One 4 11
Two 7 2
Three 5 7
Four 7 5
Total 23 25
Campuses:
Enugu: 19 19
Owerri 21 16
Ikot
Ekpene 22 22
Total 62 57
Plus
our
Seven
seminarians left the seminary in 1991/92 academic year.
OUR
BENEFACTORS
Members
of
Sponsorship: The vocations ministry is always happy to have people or groups that are willing to train a
seminarian or support priests. This is an opportunity to show your gratitude to
God in a special way.
FAREWELL: Three seminarians left the seminary since April 1992.
These
are: Matthew Ezekaka, McPaul Ekwueme and Magnus Onyeaku. We wish them God's
blessings wherever they may find themselves.
DEATH: Paul
Nwaosuagwu (Ikot Ekpene Campus) lost his mother and she was buried on October
10, 1992. Jude Obidum (Owerri Campus) also lost his mother and she was buried
at Nnewi on October 29, 1992. Please
pray for the repose of their souls. May The Lord grant them Eternal rest.
THE
THEME FOR 1992/93 VOCATION YEAR: The
vocations ministry has chosen as theme for this vocation year: "THE POOR AMONGST US". A hungry man can hardly smile what more
lift up his tired heart in praises. There are so many like that today. Are we
at all moved by the impoverishment around us? Christ himself was moved, indeed
deeply moved by the poverty around him : He was never tired of identifying the
poverty of his time and offering lasting solutions. It is our duty this
vocation year to identify different types of poverty around us. We shall
reflect on the very causes and possible
consequences of poverty. Above all we should
try to think out possible lasting solutions to poverty.
APPOINTMENT: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chikezie has been appointed an honorary member of the
editorial board of Vocationews: He automatically merits this honor as the
youngest priest of the diocese. He will recount to us his experiences of one
year as a priest sometime next year. We congratulate him.
SUBMISSION
OF ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION IN THE VOCATIONEWS: Religious congregations working in the diocese are requested to
send in their reports concerning the movement of vocations in their communities
early enough for publication in the Vocationews.
Articles
due for publication concerning the movement and growth of vocations in the
diocese should be sent to the Vocations Director early enough for editing.
VOCATIONS
MINISTRY WISHES ALL HER BENEFACTORS AN NUMEROUS FRIENDS A VERY
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND GOD'S BLESSINGS
IN THE YEAR 1993.
SHALOM!! SHALOM!!!
PEACE! PEACE!! PEACE!!! TO MEN OF GOOD WILL!!!
AND
ON EARTH PEACE TO ALL MEN WHO ARE GOD'S FRIENDS!!