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Vocationews VOL. 4
NO.1 OCTOBER 1993 – APRIL 1994
PRIESTHOOD:
MY ONE
YEAR AFTER
(By
Rev. Fr. Emma Chikezie)
Preamble: "Experience
is the best teacher":
Anyone who leans so heavily on this age-long popular aphorism in judging my
"One Year" of ordination, might be sauntering illusively on sheer
absurdity and reverie. Why? Firstly, there are not that much experiences to
recount. Secondly, being a best teacher in this regard could well-nigh be quite
pedagogically deceptive! And even, dear brothers in the Lord's Vineyard will
put on thick censorious lens for a possible clean and clear judgement. A
judgement spanning through the past, and lurking objectively in the present.
Tomorrow takes care of itself. Obviously, recounting this "One Year"
creed looks like a bait. But borrowing the pauline admonishment in 1Cor: 2:9a
diffuses the phobia, since such is woven into a salutary quinine, albeit
applying it in my circumstances.
August's Tale: The
tale of August refers specifically to my month of months. Here was the eighth
calendar month when every second was properly and meticulously computed. I had
wanted to brush aside its adjectival dimension. But then, doing so strips off
the color, pomp, majesty, awe and respect that is associated with the
priesthood. Suppose you kindly permit me the dual dissection, nay application
of August and august: whether calendrical or adjectival. Quite unlike yours,
mine was epochal and historic. From the 1st day, things started gathering
momentum. Arrangements were in top gears. Friends and non-friends were hovering
around, suggesting and subtracting, grinning from ear to ear in order to hear
the latest from our newsroom. Then suddenly, like lightening , my
"Parsons" (home and abroad) Miraculously vamoosed! What a
coincidence! What a precious time! Not to worry: they made trips. Maybe trips
in God's name. It was like spanking a child, after which a gift of chocolate
soothes its consequent sorrow. Assumption Day! August 15th remains one of the
church's glorious feasts, in honor of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Our ordination
(including my twin brother. Fr. Mike Oguzie) that very day gives me the real
impression of those neatly clad in
sacerdotal attires and assumed into the divine priestly chamber, in Mary's splendid
company. Which tale is sweeter or more evergreen than that of 15th August,
1992?
Deep in Ministry: The
ministry is a challenge. There are many commitments and involvements than
simply meets the eye. On the one hand, one expresses the known. On the other,
one attempts intuitively to grapple with the yet unknown. Any experiences,
however vast or wee, have meaning only in this area. The Priestly ministry
mainly revolves around: The word of God and sacraments, inter alia. Three
essential aspects continuously spun around my head. These included: Sacramental
reconciliation, Anointing of the sick and Matrimony. Eucharistic celebration
and Christian life are vast areas in their own field. Concretely, all of them
are an encapsulation of the three offices of 1) Teaching 2) Sanctifying and 3)
Ruling (cf. C. 1008). At least, the
period afforded me ample opportunity of meeting different pious groups and associations
than before, Nevertheless, we (lay and clergy) must beware of the
"Yeast" of born-again and seen-the-light Christ Their rebirth and
transparent vision have ultimately mingled with the abstruse and grotesque,
including those who establish healing centres indiscriminately. They argue:
"God is working through us", (Lk. 9: 49-50, Mk. 9: 38-40, Rm: 8: 31.
Thursday evening, May 20th 1993, a group of some gullible adherents came
calling with a nauseating tale of woes in one of the purported miracle centres within the vicinity. Their
experiences were horrifying, nerve-wrecking and chilling. Meet me privately for
full details, if you care. Scripturally speaking, Jesus' own ministry was a
beehive of activities. His ministerial healing equally had all the trappings of
divine action, mandate and candor. The type one witnesses now keeps one on
edge. Some see the hand of God; others mere abracadabra and mumbo jumbo. If one
may ask: Is the appendage 'alter christus' still valued and cherished today?
Whereas Christ did his Father's will, some clerics uphold-theirs. Whereas
Christ retired to rest or pray, others feel too busy, even busier than God
wants them to be! Such misplacement of duties and priorities occur and recur.
Do check it. However submerged one might
be in the ministry, a humane soul would be astonished at realizing the human
miseries that exist all about him. The same can equally appreciate the highly
zealous efforts of our devout Christians. You can't beat their deep sense of
religiosity. Going by available records, however, proper catechesis of the
young and old still lacks. The initial awareness and enthusiasm seems to
dwindle. The light has finally dawned, especially now that the 'New Universal
Catechism' is set to redress nagging issues. Who would then be left out? In
preparing for the years ahead, all are invited to reflect soberly on this 'New
Catechism' which wants to be a lesson of new life, of faith lived in a new way,
of new love, of a new return to God which is at the same time man's return to
his deep authenticity. Arise then to "The Catechism of the Catholic
Church". All Said:
This reflection seemed to have come from one perspective. That of one working
in a very "luxurious headquarters"; land of milk and honey; one
living in a well-rugged and air conditioned presbytery, as well as working in
an executive office. Hmmm, any need for these distinctions? A hiatus would be
unnecessarily created in this one year brief account without the 1993 rich
annual priestly retreat. A retreat that is best witnessed than narrated. Were
one to open his Amaudara 1993 retreat diary, what can one skip? Not even the
moderator Rev. Fr. Dr. R. Nwosu, the spiritual mechanic. It was a deep
spiritual overhaul cutting across the horizontal or convocational dimension of
vocation, to the vertical or invocational. Have I mentioned our relational
projections with lay and clergy? What about the theoretical and practical
aspects of the pastoral sense? A piece of advice: we priests - old and new,
young and adult - should dust our files and fall back once again on the spirit
of "Ecce quam bonum". A difficult spirit, indeed, that berates
monologue and communication lapse. A spirit that does not qualify the old ones
as senile miscreants, nor condemns the young ones unjustly to the gallows.
Conclusively, my one year stewardship has been severely condensed for lack of
space. But the rest of the account will be properly packaged to serve as a
parting gift to posterity. May the Lord grant us many more fruitful years. Amen!
(Rev. Fr. Emma Chikezie has been working at The C. K. D. Chancery, Aba since after his ordination on
August 15,1992 as the Assistant Secretary)
NEWS FROM
ANNUNCIATION SEMINARY AMAUDARA
At the end
on the 1992/93 academic year the Rector, Rev. Fr. Innocent Ajuonu left the seminary for Miami U.S.A. to
further his studies. He was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nwokonko as the new
Rector of the seminary. Rev. Fr.
William Onwumdi remains the Vice Rector while Rev. Fr. Jude Obidum who was ordained
on July 10 1993 was posted to the seminary to join the formation team. Besides,
the senior seminarians Mr. Nduka James and Mr. Nnanna Joachim will spend one
year at the seminary on diocesan assignment. The seminary successfully hosted
the annual retreat of the fathers from July 26, 1993 - July 29, 1993. The
rector and his team did every thing possible to make the fathers feel at home.
One could notice that the choice of the seminary for this year's retreat was a blessing to the seminary. A lot of work was done to give the seminary
a face lift and the seminarians stand to gain from the renovations that were
made to accommodate the fathers. It has been a
difficult task finding high quality water at a reasonable depth within
the seminary compound. The bore hole dug earlier this year could not produce
good water. However, the engineers have not given up and are continuing with
their search for water within the compound.
From every indication the present bore hole being sunk promises to yield
high grade water for the seminary. The mood at the seminary was clouded by the
death of the seminarian Master Raphael Uzoigwe on October 17, 1993. May his
soul rest in peace.
FROM OUR APOSTOLIC
WORK REPORT
We reported at the parish
Presbytery on July 2, 1993,
and before supper we met the parish priest Fr. S. Achoromadu who gave us
some pieces of advice. On Tuesday July 6, about 4.12 p.m. we had the lucky
dip whereby I picked Umuode Catholic
Community as my place of assignment. Umuode Catholic community is located along
the Express Road going to Enugu from Port Harcourt between Ariaria and Abayi Round About and a 30 minutes walk from
the parish. The station, though the youngest in the parish - it was created in Nov. 1992 - is very much full of activities. However
they still worship in a temporary site
with the attendant problem of the
congregation being exposed to
the harsh weather. The people are hospitable and they cherish the efforts of
their priests. They have already a Block Rosary Centre, Christian Fathers
Association (C.W.O.), the Youth
and Mary League. As a young
station, there are people who are not yet convinced; moreover being one of the
"traders' station", there is a problem of late-coming and as
pioneers, there are some "Thomases" among them. They should be
encouraged to get a permanent site.
Almost all are baptized and practicing
Christians. (Anthony Omenihu at Umuode Community - St. Mary's Parish Abayi
Ariaria).
On the 'D-day', I just walked to the
parish since it is very near to our compound in the village. My first station
was Ss. Peter & Paul Onitcha Ngwa. It is a Church of four (4) families and
I endeavored to explain the Catholic
faith to them since they are dominated by Protestant Churches. At St. Anthony's Ntighauzor which is also a
church of two (2) families, they expressed their happiness over the kindness of
the members of St. Eugene's parish Aba who donated some building materials to
them. While at St. Mary's Oberete Ibeme, I found out that there are a lot of
marriage cases and the most outstanding ones are that of two ex-Catechists who
are appealing for the nullification of their marriages. Generally in these
stations like Oberete, Onitcha Ngwa, Abala Ibeme and Ntighauzor, Protestant
Churches abound. They are financially poor. The activities of such groups as
C.B.I.U. , C.B.M. Charismatic Renewal and other Bible groups are highly needed.
The same applies to financial aids. (Oliver Onuoha at St. Peters Ndiakata One
in St. Jude's Parish Ohuru).
I was sent to one of the out stations
St. Dominic Station Having known the theme of this year's apostolic work, my
preaching was based on the theme "helping the poor among us". In fact , they gave me maximum
co-operation. They were eager to worship God. They built their church (St.
Dominic Station) within three months. They are now building a nursery
school. On a sad note, my apostolic
work was punctured by the sudden death of the man I was living with by name Mr.
S.C. Anochie. He died in a ghastly motor accident on the 30th of July, 1993.
May his soul rest in peace. (Malachy Chiwetara at St. Dominic Station of St.
Ambrose Parish Ogbor Hill).
During my home visitations, some of
the poor and aged parents posed these questions: 'Why is it that our priests do
not visit the aged who were once strong and paid their dues to the church? Why
is it that most Catholics die now without a priest hearing their confessions
and giving them the last sacrament? Why is it that when the poor or aged among
us die, the church will not bury the person instead they will start talking
about when the person stopped paying his or her church levies etc?' They advice that we should look into these
problems. ( Nwamadi S. Peace at Stella Maris Station Abayi - Ss. Anthony and Jude Parish Umungasi Aba).
The parishioners here are small in
number. They are poor subsistent
village farmers. Their faith is not exceptionally strong. During home
visitations I encountered many questions
concerning infant baptism. Other churches opposed this practice. I tried my best to explain to them what the
church teaches about infant baptism.
(Fidelis Ikefuama S.M.M.M. at St. Joseph Abayi Nchokoro - St. John's
Parish Iheorji).
I worked in three stations: St. David
Uratta, St. James Owerrinta and St. Jude Obikabia. During my stay in these stations, I strengthened pious societies and
Block Rosary crusades. I observed that the people do not receive holy communion
frequently. Also, St. James Owerrinta is composed mostly of strangers and the indigenes are few. This is also applicable to St. Jude
Obikabia. Many people there have left the church due to proliferation of
different churches. I visited them and encouraged them to come back to the
Catholic Church. (Anselm Ibe S.M.M.M. 3 stations of Ss. Peter and Paul Mbutu Ngwa Parish).
I had a catechism class of nearly
four hundred and fifty (450) candidates preparing for holy communion. It was a
very hectic and tedious assignment. Besides I found time to visit some of the
many religious and pious societies in the parish. I used such occasions to
disseminate the theme of this year's
apostolic work. On such occasion I dwelt, among other things, on the need to
care for the poor and the needy in our midst, the importance of alms giving as
a necessary component to prayer and
fasting, and the need to be detached from one's material wealth. Permit me to
recommend that given the amount of work to be done in this parish, it should be
provided always with at least two or more seminarians on apostolic work"
(Okite Hendilaha Chiemeka at St. Eugene's Parish, Aba).
Among other things, we were asked to
teach Catechism. We heeded strictly to this directive throughout our stay.
Generally speaking, I would say that the apostolate was not just unique but
also enticing. This apostolate would have been more fulfilling and enriching, I
believe, if not for the extraordinary demands made on us by the kitchen. Our
attention was divided between the apostolate, and the Fr's kitchen. However
suffice it to note that spiritual revival seminars, night vigils and prayers
were often noticed at St. Paul's Abaukwu. (Gabriel Ifeanyi Ezeh at St. Paul's
Abaukwu).
I was posted to Abanyon Zone where I
worked in three zones namely: Etikpe/Nkonfap, Nkarasi II and Abinti I
respectively. These people are mostly farmers and this has a lot of influence on
their Christian and social life. They are hospitable. The second zone I worked
in was Ikom. Ikom has again two zones Atimaka and Akparabong Town. I stayed one
week in each station. One remarkable thing in this station is that the people
are far separated from one another and each station has a language of its own.
I did not encounter language problem. Not only had I an interpreter but all
could speak and understand at least Pidgin English. In my work, I was able to
establish Block Rosary in every station I worked in. I also instructed them on Christian commitment, faith, sin,
offering, prayer, and love." (Christian Eze Nkem in St. Peter's Parish
Ikom - Ogoja diocese - Inter-diocesan apostolic work).
I did my apostolic work at Kom-Kom
and Obeama stations. About 20% of the married couples are yet to wed in Kom-Kom. More than 40% of the married
couples are yet to wed in Obeama. All the pious societies in the stations are
not very active. I suggest that two more priests be sent to the present parish
priest to help him in his apostolate. (Gabriel Nnawuihe S.M.M.M. at Kom-Kom and
Obema - All Saints Parish Oyigbo).
I was sent to an outstation - St.
Finbarr's catholic church Ikputu. The people were very hospitable. They love
staying with seminarians and priest. Their most serious problem is however lack
of love among themselves. The faithful are not in good terms with each other.
In each family there was hatred. I tried to inculcate the love neighbor in
them. Finally, I prepared candidates for baptism, first holy communion and
confirmation. (Clifford Modum S.M.M.M. at St. Finbarr's Ikputu - St. Anthony's
Parish Mbawsi).
There are few pious societies here.
Those operational were however of immense help to me in locating the poor, the
sick the aged and the depressed. I conducted a crusade for the poor 'Operation
help the poor (O.H.P.)' at Umuogele. I
identified many poor people. The little items collected were given to the poor
. Actually many Catholics are suffering here. Due to lack of finance some have
left the Catholic faith. I encouraged many of them during my visitation. I
really enjoyed my stay with them ( Neaobasi Alfred E. at St. Andrew's Umuogele
and St. Peter's Umuekpe - Ntigha Parish).
I found out, upon inquiry that many people did not turn
up for Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation because there was no
senior seminarian around to give the Bishop's visit a wide publicity and to
adequately teach and guide the candidates. In view of the above I suggest that
the bishop's next visit be scheduled during the period of apostolic work for
seminarians. Above all, I formed a Block Rosary society there and also bought
them the necessary material for the upkeep of the society. I also appointed
officers for them and they are all responding wonderfully well (Peter Umekwe at
St. John's Okpu - Ala Ukwu - St. Odilia's Parish Akpaa Osokwa).
Although C.K.C. is a relatively new station, the people are
very ready for sacrifice. This is most noticeable in their contributions
towards building their new church. Besides they have the problem of disunity
and that of poverty. I did my best in helping and consoling the poor At St. Augustine's I did a lot
of home visitation. The people
responded to my apostolate and came to my assistance each time I needed their
attention. One of the major problems here is however that some of them are yet
to wed in Church. Some are suffering from poverty and there is the problem of
"I too know" and gossip. (Joseph Ubani at C.K.C. and St. Augustine
stations in St. Benedict's Parish Ntigha).
I covered three stations. Umuekene
had about 130 people, St. George Aga had
about 250 while the parish Centre had about 350. One of the main problems here is that of
lateness to mass. Sunday mass at 9.a.m. normally begins with less than 40
people. Again there is the problem of non-existence of any religious societies
in Umuekene. In general some of the faithful are leaving the church for other churches like Apostolic church. (Chike
Ifebi at Holy Ghost Umuekene, St. George Aga, and St. Bernard Amaudara - Regina
Pacis parish, Amaudara).
The population here may be about
seventy (70) with children claiming about half. This is due to the influence of
many protestant churches in the area. The population has also reduced due to the departure of some
indigenes and non-indigenes. On the theme of this year's apostolic work - "The Poor Amongst
Us", the poor were being taken care of
through visitations and the rendering of material help. The incessant
rainfall and the engagement of the younger ones at school hinders progress in
the direction of physical labor in their farms. The station needs a constant
watering of the faith by not only a resident Catechist but also by regular
sending of seminarians and may be other itinerant church workers. The station
needs financial help to meet some of its problems such as completing of the
plastering of the church building, the catechist's residence and its fencing
and wiring projects. ( Augustine Nwankpa at St. Paul's Mbutu Umuojima - Holy
Trinity Parish Obuzor)
I learnt that two societies, namely,
Legion of Mary and Catholic Biblical Instructors Union have been helping the
poor in cash and kind. I encouraged them to continue and instructed other
members on why the poor should be helped. St. Augustine's Church is closely
surrounded by other denominations. Its members are good. They gave me minimum
cooperation- but treated me kindly and sent me off peacefully. Some of their
members run from one Church to another. Many do not attend masses once they
have one little problem or the other . I never failed to emphasis on this any
time I talked to them and I am optimistic they will change. (Sylvanus Omali
S.M.M.M. at. St. Augustine's Obegu - Regina Caeli Parish Asa, Obehie).
St. Peter Claver's Parish was newly
created with four stations - St. Andrew's Umuaws, Holy Family Umuntumaka, St.
Paul's Umuene and St. Stephen's
Okpuala. I worked in all,
spending eight days in each according to the directive of the parish
priest. I gave much attention to home visitation especially the sick and the needy. I encouraged the growth
of pious societies. The inhabitants are more engaged in farming and marketing.
To make reasonable spiritual impact, one needs not encroach much in their
business time. This made me fix their morning prayers at 5.am. ( Obiechi
Fidelis S.M.M.M. at the above stations of St. Peter Claver's Parish
Umueleghele).
Obohia people are good and
hospitable, very accommodation and concerned even if they cannot help out. They are mostly peasant farmers. Towards the end of the apostolic work, a
three day retreat was organized and they turned up in great numbers. The
questions asked and the observations made during visitations revealed that many
practice what they do not know. They were unable to answer anyone who asks them
about the faith they practice. This situation brings a kind of discrimination
between those who perform particular gesticulations during prayers /mass and
those who do not. (Asuoha Jephthah at St. Pius X Obohia - St. Mary's Parish
Azumini).
The parish priest gave me specific
assignment in helping the catechist to collect mass stipends. I assisted at
mass and helped in the distribution of holy communion. I also help the choir (
Charles Omotu at Ss. Anthony and Jude Umungasi).
At St. Mary's Amaekpu the faithful
see the coming of a seminarian as a big burden hence little attention is paid
to the seminarian. They are more interested in prayers conducted by the
catechist hence the Eucharist is secondary. I visited people at home but only
few were seen because of their farm work. At St. Joseph's Amaekpu they made every
effort to sustain me by visiting me. I conducted morning prayers and catechism
classes every day and the people attended well. (Ambrose Madu CMF at St. Mary's
and St. Joseph's stations - Ss. Peter
and Paul Parish Mbutu Ngwa.)
For most of the Christians,
government has failed in the area of secondary education. It is the general
opinion that the church should come back to the issue of schools especially here in Aba Urban with a great
catholic population. Only two secondary schools are run by the Catholic church
in Aba (Chikezie Uwasomba and Valentine Dimude S.M.M.M. at Our Lady of Lourdes
Parish Aba).
I enjoyed my stay at St.
Batholomew's Arongwa. They are good in
receiving and caring for visitors. However
polygamy is still a serious problem here. They need to be instructed in
the basic doctrines of the catholic church so that they can withstand the
influence of many protestant churches around. They need to be educated on how
to be charitable, kind and loving to each other. (Nwagboso Magnus at St.
Batholomew's Arongwa - Obuzor Parish).
I worked first at St. Joseph's
Eziama. Their small number notwithstanding they are hospitable, co-operative
with each other, zealous in things concerning God. They were coming out for
morning prayers, catechism, Block Rosary and choir practices. Besides some have
stopped coming to church due to much levy and local politics. At St. Anthony's
Amachi I encountered great number of the faithful. They were accommodating and
cooperating. They however have the greatest number of drop-outs. Hatred
suspicion and local politics are at their peak here. It is not surprising that
only two persons came out for baptism and one person for first holy communion.
(Ogbonna Basil at St. Joseph's Eziama
and St. Anthony's Amachi - St. Anthony's Mbawsi).
Our Lady of Ransom Umuakwa is the
most populated station of the parish. The parishioner are humorous and grounded
in their faith. Some are however backward in their prayer life and in the
reception of the sacraments especially the sacraments of penance and matrimony.
I suggest that some of the couples be given symposium and orientation courses (
Kingsley Atubi at Our Lady of Ransom Umuakwa - Regina Caeli Parish, Obehie
Asa).
At St. John's Imo River and St.
Joseph's Okorhia the people have a sense of accepting a man of God. The church
mostly at Okorhia is at the infant level. They need to be instructed more on
the sacraments. Some think that with attending mass on Sundays all is done.
Sometimes the people do not come out until one goes from house to house calling
them out. I believe if the people are given a closer contact there will be
tremendous changes. (Iwuji Paulinus S.M.M.M. at St. John's Imo River and St.
Joseph's Okorhia - All Saints parish Oyigbo).
CHRONICLES
May 3, 1993: Dr. Peter N. Uzoegwu spoke to the Presbyterium of Aba diocese about Sickle Cell Disease.
Through this lecture awareness was created concerning the consequences of this
deadly disease most especially in the parishes.
July 26 - July 29 1993: Annunciation Seminary Amaudara hosted for the first
time in her history the retreat of the fathers. The fathers were well received
by the Rector Rev. Fr. Innocent Ajuonu and the entire formation team of the
seminary. The retreat moderator Rev. Fr. Ralph Nwosu spoke on the challenges of the priesthood today. The
priests had time to exchange views about specific problems of their ministry
and duties within the diocese. His Lordship highlighted the need for priests to
see in their ministry an opportunity to
serve God and man well. The fathers
treasured very highly the words of the moderator.
July 10, 1993: His Lordship Bishop V. V. Ezeonyia ordained Rev. Jude
O. Obidum at St. Joseph's Parish Okofia, Otolo Nnewi. Rev. Fr. Obidum is a
pioneer priest of Seat Of Wisdom Seminary Owerri. In his sermon his Lordship
enumerated the 'great expectations' from a priest. He stressed the point of a
priest being a servant, and frowned bitterly at those who see themselves
otherwise.
July 17, 1993: Revs. Leonard
Ogbonna, Isaac E. Erondu and Alphonsus D. Ekezie were ordained priests by His
Lordship Bishop V. V. Ezeonyia at Our
Lady of Lourde's parish Aba. Preaching the sermon Very Rev. Msgr. I.I. Alaribe,
besides admonishing the new priests to a life of dedication, reminded the older
priests of the need to rededicate themselves.
August 21, 1993: The last ordination of the diocese for the year was
held at St. Benedict's Parish Ntigha. The ordaining prelate Bishop V. V.
Ezeonyia drew the attention of the candidate, Rev. Augustine E. Ihesiaba to the
ideals of the catholic priesthood. He then solicited the unflinching cooperation of the entire Ntigha
Catholic Community for the success of the ordinand.
September 12, 1993: 42 Rev. sisters of the D.M.M.M. were professed at Christ The King Cathedral Aba to the greatest joy of their
relatives and friends. The Bishop
Emeritus and founder of the congregation Rt. Rev. Dr. A. G. Nwedo who was in
attendance showed singular joy in seeing more fruits of his labor.
Annual Consultation with the
bishop
The seminarians concluded their apostolic
work on July 10, 1993 and reported to the chancery for the annual consultation
with the bishop. Already at 8.30 a.m.
the seminarians had a short meeting with the vocation director during which elections to the offices of Primus and Master of ceremonies were
conducted. It was agreed that the office of Primus should rotate among the
diocesan head-seminarians of the three regional seminaries. Hence Mr. Anthony
Iroh of St. Joseph's seminary Ikot Ekpene becomes the Primus. Mr. Basil
Onyia was elected Master of Ceremonies. The vocations director informed the seminarians about those who have accepted to be their benefactors and urged them always to pray
and write to their benefactors since this is the barest minimum that could be
demanded of them in this connection. Seminarians had also time to raise issues
concerning their experiences at their places of apostolic work. Seminarians
from outside the diocese who did their annual apostolic work in the diocese of
Aba participated at this early meeting. The vocation director thanked them, in
the name of the diocese, for the wonderful work they did. Besides Rev. Fr.
Prof. John Egbulefu spoke to the seminarians on his duties at the Vatican. He
also intimated them with the objectives of
Emmanuel Congregation of which
he is the founder. Rev. Fr. Innocent Ajuonu who was to travel to Miami
U.S.A. came to say good-bye to the
seminarians. He admonished them to live up to their calling and stress on the
need for seminarians to improve their power of communication by taking English
language seriousely. Each seminarian had the opportunity to discuss his
problems with his Lordship from 9.30 -
12 noon. All the seminarians were
informed about their campuses for 1993/94 academic year. At noon in the spirit
of "cur unum et anima una" lunch was served. All seminarians were
later presented with a little purse
which was made available by the priests of the diocese. The seminarians thanked
His Lordship and went home happily, full of joy and determination. The students
of Seat of Wisdom Seminary had to wait
till September 15, 1993 to fully consult with the bishop since their reports
were not sent to diocese early enough from their seminary.
SCHEDULE: The
date for the next diaconate ordination and installations has been fixed for
January 8, 1994. The following seminarians will be ordained
deacons: Ezeh Gabriel, Omotu Charles, Iroh Anthony, Nwoko Ignatius, Okite
Chiemeka, Uwasomba Chikezie and Donatus Ironuma. Okonkwor Alexander and
Ezeh Christian will be installed acolytes. Those to be installed lectors are: Omenihu Anthony, Adiukwu Richard, Alaribe Felix, Ali Peter,
Nwosu Fredrick, Onyia Basil, Umeh Emmanuel, Uwakwe Epenesius, Uwalaka Francis
and Ezennabudo Chinedu.
The annual meeting of the
candidates for diaconate ordination with the bishop and his assistants is
scheduled for January 2 to 7, 1994.
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Onwumere will
discuss canons 1040 - 1049 with the candidates. Besides Very Rev. Msgr.
I. I. Alaribe, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kevin Atunzu, Rev. Fr. Jacob Ugbaja and some lay
people will instruct the candidates on relevant topics to diaconate
ordination. All candidates will have time to discuss with His Lordship before the ordination.
VICARIATE
EXAMINATION
The vicariate examination has been scheduled for EASTER WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 1994. The examination will be held at the
chancery.
Each seminary is to send her representatives for the meeting with the
vocation director at the chancery on Easter Thursday April 7, 1994. Issues
concerning apostolic work, welfare and the theme of the vocation year will be
discussed. Each seminary is to work out a theme for the vocation year 1994/95
for presentation. Moreover each seminary is to present a working material for
1994 apostolic work based on the theme of vocation year 1993/94. (see page 4).
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. Moreover the need for accountability as a
Christian obligation should be brought to the awareness of the faithful.
VOCATIONS
COORDINATION
There will be a meeting for the diocesan vocations coordination on
POSTINGS AND
CHANGES
The vocations ministry congratulates our five new priests who have since resumed duties at their different
places of assignment and wishes them very happy apostolate.
Annunciation Seminary, Amaudara
Nduka
James and Nnanna Joachim, senior seminarians, are on diocesan assignment at the
seminary. Amadi Chrysogonus Chinedu (Christ The King Parish,
Nativity Spiritual
Year, Ozu-Abam
Those for 1993/94 spiritual year are: Alaribe Theodore, Anakebe Kenneth,
Chigbu Andrew ,Ekpendu David, Ofobuike Marcellinus, Ohanachom Alphonsus
Okorochukwu Philip Mary , Uzoigwe Henry .
First year
philosophy 1993/1994
Chukwuma Anthony, Ebere Francis, Onyechesi Longinus Ebere, Opuehi
Jerome, Ukaforo Cyril (Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu); Ekpendu Chidi, Ibeh
Innocent, Ibekwe Innocent, Okiyi Emmanuel (St. Joseph's Seminary Ikot
Ekpene). Chileke Cletus, Dimkpa Anthony, Mbagwu Kenneth,
Nwachukwu Paulinus, Okafor Felix, Okite Donatus, Okoli Augustine (Seat Of Wisdom Seminary Owerri).
Back to Studies: Nwedo Peter, and Okwara
Emmanuel, have successfully completed their
one year diocesan assignment at Annunciation seminary Amaudara. The
vocations ministry thanks.
IN UNION OF PRAYERS
WITH OUR BENEFACTORS
St. Ann Aba Urban, Lady Knights of St. Mulumba, Chief Sir A.E.N. Izuwah and Family, Mr. Fabian
Ajere, Rene Scheidegger and
Family, Mrs. Inge Meier, Gruppe
Weltkirche (Feldbach), Mrs. Sylvia and Dr. Peter Saladin and Family, Mrs. Kunz
Margrit, Mrs. Schaller Martha, Mrs. Bianca Zurkinden, Mrs. Spahni Ruth, Mr.
Holenstein Paul, Mr. Scherrer Joseph,
His Excellency Bishop Johann Weber, Dechant Johann Leopold, Kanonikus
Gottfried Lafer. We thank our benefactors and
ask God to reward them abundantly. Always pray for your benefactors!!
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.
Congratulations And Farewell:The results of
1993 vicariate examination are out. The seminarians passed the
examination very well. The vocations
ministry congratulates all seminarians who were promoted in the last year.