Back to Home Page: http://www.frasouzu.com/

Vocationews VOL. 6 NOs. 1 & 2 OCT. 1995 - OCT. 1996.

Love understands

(Bishop V. V. Ezeonyia C.S.Sp.)

So much of what is vital to love really centres on our willingness to work hard at understanding each other. There is always more growing to be done. It is, in fact, essential to the nature of love that individuals constantly try to refine their sensitivity to one another. In this process of growth there is so much wrenching suffering involved. But the experience is redemptive. This kind of painful but fruitful growth works only for those who have kept their caring from growing cold. There is really no task more challenging for any individual than that of trying to focus consistently on the total personality of the other. This is obviously impossible if you can hardly see the other because there is so much of yourself in the foreground of vision.

There is nothing more accurate than the popular description of the unloving person as one who is “filled with himself”. A real relationship of love challenges us to break the embrace which we so firmly lock around our own ego so that our arms may be open to others. The whole redemptive meaning of love is found in the willing efforts of people to die to selfishness that is always ready to grow back the minute after we have cut it down. Selfishness is hydra-headed. There is really no let up in this, no vacation from the effort that is required, and no turning back once one has entered on the road to sharing life with people. The meaning of commitment is actually worked out in the day-to-day struggles whose challenge is always the same. We have first to die to ourselves in order to give life to each other. Love asks us to empty ourselves steadily in a thousand common-place ways for the sake of the other person. When people abandon the effort to share their real selves, the lights of love go out in their lives. Here is where so many relationships meet a dead end. Real love, then, is based on realism about self. Reality with all its rough edges, is good enough for the growth of real love. It does not have the perfection but neither does it have the conceit of an artificial flower. It has something much better, the strength of life itself.

(Curled from the 1995 Pastoral letter of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. V. V. Ezeonyia, C.S.Sp., Bishop of Aba diocese).

NEWS FROM

ANNUNCIATION SEMINARY

AMAUDARA

_{Rev. Fr. Cajetan Uchendu has completed his tenure as the acting Rector of the seminary and has now proceeded to U.S.A. to further his studies. In the same manner Rev Fr. Jude Obidum who was the bursar at seminary has left for Italy.The vocations ministry heartily thanks them for the wonderful and enormous work they did within a short period. Right now the difficult task of managing the affairs of the seminary has fallen of Rev. Fr. Hendilaha Okite, now the Acting Rector.}

Fr. Okite enthuses over the cordial relationship and cooperation existing between him and his team. Working within the team is Rev. Fr. Anthony Iroh, who is now the bursar and Rev. Fr. Alexander Okonkwor who was ordained in 1995 and is the dean. The rector and his team express great satisfaction at the achievements so far made in the seminary. They admire the enthusiasm with which his Lordship is facing the work at the New Chapel. They believe that at the rate at which work is proceeding at the chapel site, the seminarians would start making use of the building for their prayers and liturgical activities in the nearest future. The new chapel, it was pointed out, resembles the shrine of the matyrs of Uganda in design. In the same manner they never tire to call attention to the rate at which work is proceeding at the fathers' residence. The gigantic nature of the project reveals that the future of the seminary lies in the hands of the priests of the diocese. As many priests as would opt to embark on the teaching apostolate in the seminary would be comfortably accommodated in the new building. The Rector is very grateful to the Vocations Ministry for posting to them a number of prefects to help manage the affairs of the seminary.

Rev. Fr. Stan Achoromadu the spiritual director of Annunciation seminary has now assumed another responsibility as the rector at the just opened spiritual year seminary of the diocese at Azumini.

LIFE AT ST. MARY'S PROPAEDEUTIC SEMINARY, AZUMINI

_The diocese of Aba has for the first time in her history established her own spiritual year seminary at Azumini with the name St. Mary's Propaedeutic Seminary, Azumini. Hitherto, Nativity spiritual year seminary at Ozu Abam has served Umuahia and Aba dioceses. St. Mary's Propaedeutic Seminary, Azumini took off with the 1995/96 academic year. The number of pioneer seminarians admitted seems to suggest the ambitious aim of this undertaking - to give all to the greater glory of God: 28 young seminarians were admitted and placed under the spiritual guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Stan Achoromadu and Rev. Fr. John VianneSy Ijeoma.  Both resident priests are being assisted by other fathers appointed by the bishop to cater for the intellectual needs of the young seminarians. A visit to the seminary convinces one of the exalted aims pursued. There does exist a very cordial and serene atmosphere that portrays the disposition to retreat to interior life. The young seminarians take their formation very seriously and indeed in the diocesan spirit of excellence, and in the spirit of Christ and his disciples.

Apostolic Work Experiences 1995

_The apostolic work began on the 8th of July, 1995 and ended on the 20th of August 1995. During the period, we were engaged in visiting all pious societies. We also helped in preparing candidates for first Holy communion, confirmation and marriage. We did house visitation which formed a major part of the apostolate. In our visits both to the societies and homes, we directed our attention on what we discovered was either lacking, misunderstood, or that needed attention. We answered questions we could answer and referred difficult ones to the parish priest. We observed that many people were not taking the sacrament of reconciliation very seriously or as they should. Some were confused as a result of wrong doctrines which they had been taught by those I would regard as false prophets and incompetent biblical instructors. It was also observed that some societies like the charismatics are introducing things from the Pentecostal churches into the catholic faith. They teach their members such doctrines and spread it along. In fact they do not take the sacrament of penance seriously and only recognize what their insiders teach them . Another observation is that many Catholics still patronizes the prayer houses around. What is still more disturbing is that they are instructed from these prayer houses to bring along with them already blessed water (Holy Water) which their so called pastors and prophets “re-bless” before they are allowed to use them. (Basil Aguzie MSP at Holy Cross Paris, Umule)

I reported for apostolic work as scheduled by the diocese. On reaching the parish centre, I was taken to St. Theresa’s station Amaoji after four days. On arriving at the station, I was received very well by the people of God. I worked with them and they gave me maximum cooperation: We had the normal morning prayers, Catechism classes and home visitations during which many converts were made. From my experience so far with them, I can conclude that they are always cooperative if someone shows interest for them. By the grace of God and through their hard working parish priest, the gospel message will be very fruitful over the years (Alphonsus Kelechi Ohanachom).

This year I worked at St. George’s Catholic Church Omoba, under Holy Family Catholic Parish, Amiri. The station has about 500 Catholics. Since it is the only township station in the parish, it has many strangers. There are few sick people and numerous weak Christians. Some do not belong to any society and do not see the need for that. The general problem here is that they do not respond well to activities. There are however some charitable, strong and active Christians here who can devote their time to the Lord, but they are few. In line with the new Catechumenate system, candidates for sacraments of baptism, first holy communion and confirmation were well registered and catechized. Home visitations were carried out and the sick ones were visited. Many unwed Christians promised and showed desire to wed in church in the near future. Few Christians in this station are people who do not understand Igbo and for this reason the parish celebrates an English mass for them once every first Sunday. (Paul Mbahaotu).

I arrived at the parish on the 4th of July 1995. A warm reception was given to me by the parish. This parish has two zones ASA and NGWA. I was posted to Ngwa zone and was to cover three stations, Christ The King Ihie, St. Benedict’s Alaoji and Umuakwa. My base was Umuakwa. After spending two weeks at these stations, I was taken to Queen of Peace station Obeaja where I worked for the remaining four weeks. During the first two weeks, I embarked on teaching of catechism, preparing candidates for sacraments. I taught them welcome songs in preparation for the bishop’s coming. Within these two weeks, I discovered that the little town Ihie has too many churches, and for this reason the Catholics are only handful. Besides, only few of them are committed Catholics. Though few in number, they are very accommodating. The people of Queen of Peace Obeaja gave me a warm and hearty reception during my stay in their station. I involved everyone of them in catechism classes. (Charles Ikeocha).

I arrived safely as expected and was warmly welcome by the parish priest and his parishioners on July 4, 1995. I was assigned to Zone A1 (St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church AroNgwa and St. Paul’s Catholic Church Umuikaa under Holy Trinity Parish Obuzor) in which I worked harmoniously with the people of God through house to house visitation, the teaching of Catechism, conducting of morning prayers and block rosary crusade. They are small in population but they are united, generous and faithful. I encountered the following problems: Polygamy, this has done more harm than good. In some families some people will remain faithful to the Catholic Church while others will be Protestants. Moreover, they give their daughters in marriage to Protestants without minding their post in the Catholic Church. (Okorochukwu Philip Mary)

My apostolate this year was at St. Mary’s Abayi Ariaria, Aba. After 6 days stay at the parish centre, I was taken to my area of apostolate at St. Peter’s Asa-Amator where I spent the remaining 5 weeks. St. Peter’s Asa-Amator is the least of the 3 stations that make up St. Mary’s Abayi Ariaria, with a population of about 100 Catholics. Some problems that face the station include; the inability to turn out en mass for Church activities; lack of interest in joining some of the pious societies, some of which die as soon as they are started, as a result; the fear of taking up any responsibility as a result of the apathetic attitude exhibited by some and the inability to distinguish when one is in the village enjoying social life from being in the church to worship God. The most serious problem is that the station is located at the heart of numerous mushroom “churches”, and being too small in number, comparatively, most people are often tempted to abandon their faith and church. Nevertheless, my apostolate was never a bed of roses as I had to suffer some inconveniences that the flock of Christ and His body the Church may not suffer. (Jephthah Asuoha, Udo).

The two stations in which I worked came out en mass to receive me. They crowned it with good feeding, accommodation and responses to masses, morning prayers, catechism classes as well as block rosary crusade. Protestant churches are large in number in this zone of Obuzor parish. One can say that, here, the spirit is there but the flesh is weak (Kenneth Anakebe at Obuzor Parish)

The village has many fallen Catholics and even those who remain have gone into deep pagan involvements. The foundation for religious societies being already laid, we channelled much of our energy in counselling these fallen ones and found that if some of the problems repressing many of them could be alleviated, they will find Christ directly in the church. I advocate we pray for them and if we come across, help them (Anthony C. Dimkpa at Amapu - Ntigha)

I was able to get 30 people for baptism and 40 for both Holy Communion and Confirmation. Finally, I organized retreat for them. It is interesting to say that the Osokwa people have a good intention and as it were act to their capacity, irrespective of the fact that they are few. Thus, it becomes necessary to organize, if possible, a crusade at Osokwa to let everyone in the village be aware that the Catholic Church is at Osokwa. Furthermore, the youth should be meant to understand that the church is also for them and not only for old men and women, husbands and wives. (Henry Uzoigwe at St. Odilia Osokwa)

During my stay an encouraging number of the people were able to receive the sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. Few pious associations were also formed, like, the Block Rosary, Mary League, Ss. Theresa, Monica and Ann respectively. On the other hand few problems are still hindering the propagation of the Catholic faith in this area. Some of them are still innocent of some basic teachings of the church. Some have not liberated themselves from the shackles of their cultural beliefs. Moreover, the problem of Peter Anozie is still affecting the social, economic and religious life of the people. (Chigbu A. Chigbu at St. Pius X, Obohia)

I worked at St. Luke's station Umuoke village and River Layout station respectively of St. Ambrose Parish Ogbor Hill, Aba. An encouraging percentage of the Christians in these stations are doing their best with regard to the demands of the Christian life. However very many of them find it hard to sacrifice their time for God, Christ and the Church. On the other hand both stations have the problem of where to build their church, none of them has a church of its own. The priests there are generous, caring and duty conscious. ( James Ndukwe)

I spent a few days with the priests at the presbytery before the people came and picked me having secured a place for me. The room where I lived was simple, and the people I lived with were edified to have me in their midst. They sacrificed a lot to see to my comfort and of course, I gave them my best. Among other duties, I taught the choir how to sing the parts of the Mass in English. I also taught them some other songs especially from the Catholic Hymn Book. In addition, I taught many other songs and choruses to the people who were attending the morning prayer I was organizing daily. The greatest problem some of the people have is lack of awareness. Awareness of the dignity of the priesthood. This is why such people do not readily give the priest the honor due to him. The people are a little difficult to deal with in this area. For a man of God to work here and succeed, he has to be a strong character and a prayer warrior. Most of the Christian Mothers at the Parish Centre are kind and caring. They make a lot of sacrifices both collectively and individually to see that things are moving. May God never leave them unattended (Umekwe Obinna Peter at Regina Caeli Parish, Obehie Asa).

I spent four weeks preparing candidates for first holy communion and confirmation at St. Joseph's Agburuke. My home apostolate war fruitful and rewarding, many came back to the church and two old married couples got wedded in the church during my short stay there. Equally I resolved a three year old conflict and hatred between two brothers. Besides these successes there were a few setbacks I had to endure poor accommodation and feeding. The people were not particularly generous and when they give it is all in grudges. Land disputes are common. These militate against effective evangelization. At Kputu, I was well received and accommodated. I had lesser difficulties in my work here. My appearance was a big help to their faith (Kenneth O. Aloka at St. Anthony's Parish, Mbawsi).

The charismatic members here are too noisy and they presume a lot. During my stay with them, I tried to correct them but they proved very difficult because most of them have been indoctrinated by Protestantism already. St. Eugene's is a big parish and highly populated. The priests there are not enough for the work and the faithful do find it hard to see them according need. The faithful responded to my teachings and were very generous to me (Chinedum A. Ezennabudo at St. Eugene's Parish, Aba).

On getting to my station, no single person was around to welcome me, not even the catechist. The faithful being traders and farmers, are always so engaged in their business that dragging them to church is almost a futile venture. Punctuality is a strange word here. Love used to exist here as I learnt, but what I saw was hatred in different forms. (Mbagwu Kenneth, at St. Michael's Church Mgbokonta, Sacred Heart Parish Nvosi).

I worked at St. Peter's Egbelu. The station has only three pious societies and effort was made to form others. Where I had a lot of problems is in the area of marriage. A lot of the members have two to three wives. Some who have one wife complain of having no money to get wedded in church. The parish priest made it clear to them that he can wed them free of charge. Still the turn out is poor. Another area here is that people lay too much emphasis on charms. From all indication, however, the spirit of Christ is coming in them gradually (Nwachukwu Damian John Bosco SMMM at St. Peter's Egbelu, St. Benedict Parish Ntigha).

We were three senior seminarians and all of us worked from the parish centre. We were able to form the Mary League, St. Monica, St. Ann and Block Rosary. Many people here are still inclined to ancestral beliefs. The problem of Rev. Fr. Peter Anozie has created much problem among them. Many of them have lost the sense of the sacred regarding the catholic teachings and beliefs (Uba Alban and co. at St. Pius parish Obohia Ndoki Ukwa East).

A few days after our arrival lot was cast and I picked Obuzor, Owaza and Obibor as my stations of operation. On the 9th of July (Sunday) the parish priest transported me to Obibor. There, I was warmly received after the mass, after I had introduced myself to the people. I worked here for two weeks. Not only at Obibor but also at Owaza and Obuzor the people generally were good and interesting. They hosted me very well and made a warm send-off for me the time I was departing (Theodore Alaribe, Regina Caeli Parish Obehie Asa).

I worked in Zone A2 of Holy Trinity Parish Obuzor which comprises of St. Colman's Umumba and St. Michael's Amapu na Umueji. During my stay at St. Colman's I updated the standard of the Block Rosary Crusade since there were some nagging problems such as late coming. The people are not very generous.

At. St. Michael's Amapu, though they are small in population yet they come out en mass for morning prayer, and catechism classes. They are generous (Austin Okoli Holy Trinity parish Obuzor).

Majority of their youths are not convinced in their belief and faith. Sacraments especially, penance and Eucharist are averted in order to live as freely as one choses. At worse, some of them feel unhappy seeing young people (seminarians) on soutane during visitation. Majority of members surge to other religions because they feel that Catholicism is a religion of burden, laws and taxation. (Nobert Nwakwuoke at St. Peter Claver's Parish, Umueleghele).

Youth Rally At Azumini

_Rev. Fr. Anozie's exploits, schism and commotion at Azumini climaxed in 1995. Inspired by the powerful words of the pastoral letter of 1995 of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. V. V. Ezeonyia captioned "Mobilise" the youths of Aba diocese held a powerful rally at Azumini on August 15, 1995 to mobilise for Christ. This rally was led by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ihenacho SMMM and Rev. Fr. Ignatius Nwoko. In a singular show of love for the church and in solidarity with the bishop and priests of Aba diocese the group marched into the church premises with hymns of praises to recover from Ifeanyi Anozie and his group the church property they illegally occupied. At the end, the objectives of the rally were met since the use of the church premises was returned to its rightful owner the Roman Catholic diocese of Aba. Moreover the confidence of the good people of Azumini was restored in their beloved diocese. Those who were led astray returned to the fold. This rally of 1995 was followed by another one in April 11 - 14, 1996 under the theme "come let us return to the Lord" to consolidate the gains already made. There were many discussants at the rally. Notably among them was Rev. Dr. Nwosu who emphasized on the need for our people to trace their way back to God. Lady Grace Amobi spoke on "Youth Apostle as major factor to Evangelization". Mrs. Maria Ihediora emphasizes on the need for the youth to keep themselves holy. She argued that since holiness is godliness, the youth is obliged to keep themselves holy. A call was made on the youth to help carry out the evangelical work which is desperately needed at Azumini. Those present at the rally expressed their show of support and solidarity with the bishop and priests of Aba diocese and reaffirmed their loyalty to the Holy Mother Church. The people of Azumini who participated very actively praised God visibly for the love he showered on them made evident by restoring peace to them once more. (Sylvester Orienweze, Chairman Youth Rally Committee 1996)

CHRONICLE

_{August 5th 1995} witnessed the diaconate ordination of Rev. Lawrence Agorchukwu and the priestly ordination of Rev. Christian Eze. The ordinations were held at Christ The King Cathedral Aba. Rev. Alexander Okonkwor was ordained on Saturday July 22, 1995 at St. Mary's Catholic Church Ukpor, Anambra State

In a similar development on December 16, 1995 Anthony Omenihu, Epenesius Uwakwe, Basil Onyia, Chinedu Ezennabudo, Francis Uwalaka, Fredrick Nwosu, Peter Ali and Richard Adiukwu were ordained deacons at St. Peter Claver Parish Umueleghele, while 5 seminarians were instituted in the ministry of Acolyte and 12 into the ministry of Lector.

March 1996: Annual Retreat of the Fathers of Aba diocese at Annunciation Seminary Amaudara. The retreat moderator - Rt. Rev. Msgr. B. Onwumere.

April 10, 1996: Vicariate Examination for theologians of Aba diocese.

April 11, 1996: Meeting between Vocations director and representatives of the different seminaries.

May 10, 1996: Examination for those priests who are within five years bracket of ordination.

April 20, 1996 priestly ordination of Rev. Lawrence Agorchukwu at Igboukwu, Anambra State.

May 20, 1996 Presbyteral Meeting of Aba diocese.

June 24, 1996, Special Presbyteral Meeting of Aba diocese.

_{July 1, 1996} Recollection at Our Lady of Fatima, Aba.

The topic is "Issues worth looking into". The moderator - Rev. Fr. Ignatius Nwoko

July 13, 1996, priestly ordination of Rev. Basil Onyia at St. Mary's Udi Enugu.

July 20, 1996 priestly ordination of Rev. Francis Uwalaka at All Saints Obigbo;

July 27, 1996, priestly ordination of Rev. Fredrick Nwosu at Sacred Heart Nvosi.

August 3, 1996, priestly ordination of Revs. Anthony Omenihu, Epenesius Uwakwe, Chinedu Ezennabudo, Richard Adiukwu and Peter Ali shall be ordained at Ss. Anthony and Jude Parish Umungasi Aba. We congratulate them and ask God to fill them with his apostolic zeal in his vineyard.

September 2, 1996, recollection at St. Eugene's Aba. The topic - "Solidarity within the Presbytery". The moderator - Rev. Fr. Remigius Owuamanam SMMM.

October 7, 1996, Recollection at Holy Family, Amiri. The topic - "Preparing Children for First Holy Communion". The moderator - Rev. Fr. Jacob Ugboaja.

POSTING AND CHANGES

_{Lecturers at St. Mary's Propaedeutic Seminary, Azumini: Fr. John Vienne Ijeoma, Fr. Omotu Charles, Fr. Uwasomba Chikezie, Fr. Ihendilaha Okite, and Fr. Leo Ogbonna.}

₀₀₀₀₀₀

_{The following fathers have taken up appointment in the diocese: Rev. Fr. John Akuma SMMM (Our Lady of Lourdes, Aba) Rev. Fr. Remigius Owuamanam SMMM (C.K.C., Aba), Rev. Fr. Eugene Ebuluche SMMM (Our Lady of Lourdes, Aba), Rev. Fr. Ozoemene Alphonsus Nduka OP (All Saints, Obigbo).}

The vocations ministry congratulates Rev. Fr. Alexander Okonkwor (Annunciation Seminary, Amaudara), and Rev. Fr. Christian Eze (Ss. Anthony and Jude, Aba).

444444

Pioneer Students of St. Mary's Propaedeutic Seminary Azumini

Eneogwe Ambrose, Nwokeukwu Charles, Okeke A. Canice, Ezebuiro O. Innocent, Adiele Felix, Nwala Stephen, Ofonyi (CCE), Elias K. Chukwu (CCE), Ihesiaba Cajetan, Nduabuibe Godwin, Ezeoke Felix, Anyanwu Kelechi, Uzosike Casmir, Emmanuel Kenneth, Uwandu Emmanuel, Onyeka Emmanuel, Orizu Paulinus, Nwankwo Anthony, Chigozie Chilaka, Achilihu Stephen, Idimogu Vincent, Oguguo Vincent, Nwachukwu Peter, Odom Boniface, Ohaekwe Magnus, Osuagwu Benneth, Ebisike Otitochinedu, Dafe Emmanuel.

666666

First Year Philosophers 1995/96 Academic Year: Adiegwu Francis, Alozie Eugene, Amadi Chrysogonus, Chinkere Nwogwugwu, Anene Fredrich, Bede Ukaegbu, Ifedigbo Charles, Enweremadu Cyprian, Onwunjiogu Valentine, Ike Felix, Ajanma Emmanuel, Muoghalu Christopher, Nwaogwugwu Declan, Nwokoro Cyril, Obinna Onumadu, Ohadugha John Bosco, Okeke Ifeanyi, Onwuma Damian, Onyenso Peter, Uchechukwu Okoye and Udah Nicholas.

Congratulations

During the absence of the vocations director in 1995/96 the affairs the vocations ministry was managed by Frs. Kevin Atunzu, Emmanuel Chikezie and Gabriel Ihenacho SMMM. The vocations ministry thanks them for the beautiful work they did. The Vocations Ministry heartily welcomes the vocations director, Rev. Fr. Innocent Asouzu back from his sabbatical leave and wishes him God's guidance in his work.

111111

Rev. Fr. Emma Chikezie, Fr. Louis Ohoba, Fr. Godfrey Chijioke, Fr. Jude Obidum travelled to Italy, while Fr. Cajetan Uchendu travelled to U.S.A. during the 1995/96 academic year to continue with their studies. The vocations ministry wishes them good luck.

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Rev. Fr.Nwoko a spiritual director of Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu and an examiner of vicariate examination of Aba diocese is on sabbatical leave (1995/96). The vocations ministry wishes him a wonderful leave.

Farewell

The following seminarians have left Aba diocese: Ogbonna Basil, Okafor Felix, Okebugwu Jude Onwumere Cornelius, Udah Nicholas, Muoghalu Christopher Ogbonna Martins, Amechi Innocent, Okeke Canis, Ndukwe James, Adiegwu Francis. We wish them God's blessings in their new interests.

IN UNION OF PRAYERS WITH OUR BENEFACTORS

St. Ann Aba Urban( Nigeria), Lady Knights of St. Mulumba (Nigeria), Chief Sir A.E.N. Izuwah and Family (Nigeria), Mr. Fabian Ajere (Nigeria), Rene Scheidegger and Family (Switzerland), Mrs. Inge Meier (Switzerland), Gruppe Weltkirche (Feldbach, Austria), Mrs. Sylvia and Dr. Peter Saladin and Family (Switzerland), Mrs. Kunz Margrit (Switzerland), Mrs. Schaller Martha (Switzerland), Mrs. Bianca Zurkinden (Switzerland), Mrs. Spahni Ruth (Switzerland), Mr. Holenstein Paul (Switzerland), Mr. Scherrer Joseph (Switzerland, His Excellency Bishop Johann Weber (Austria), Dechant Johann Leopold (Austria), Kanonikus Gottfried Lafer (Austria), Catholic Community, Muensingen (Switzerland), Sir and Lady Innocent Okoroama (Nigeria), Mr. Bill Mills (U.S.A.), Chief and Mrs. Grace Amobi (Nigeria), Mrs. M. Baehler (Switzerland), Mrs. Buller (Germany), Mrs. Niederhauser (Switzerland) . We thank our benefactors and benefactresses and ask God to reward them abundantly. Always pray for your benefactors.

Sponsoring Priests and Seminarians

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.

777777

VOCATION YEAR 1995/96 The Theme "PREPARING FOR A CELIBATE LIFE" was chosen for the 1995/96 Vocation Year. With this theme in place we wish to call to awareness what it means to be celibate in our calling. Not only in our private meditations and reflections but in the practical everyday life of the ministry do the implications of celibacy serves as important parameter to accessing our commitment to our calling as priests and future priests in the mind of Jesus of Nazareth. In their exposition to practical field work seminarians are offered real time conditions to explore the exigencies of a celibate life. Thus the 1996 apostolic work offers one of those rare opportunities to explore this experience in our lives as future priests.

Apostolic Work 1996

Apostolic work for senior seminarians begins on Tuesday July 2, 1996 and ends on August 14, 1996 (6 weeks). All non-Aba diocesan seminarians, who did their apostolic work in Aba diocese this year are to report to the chancery on August 14, 1996 at 11 am for a reception and send off. The lunch is at 12 noon.

REUNION FOR ABA DIOCESAN SEMINARIANS

All Aba diocesan senior seminarians (Those on apostolic work after SS 3, those in Spiritual year, the Philosophers and Theologians) are to assemble at Annunciation Seminary Amaudara for two days - August 16/17 1996 - of reunion. This event is hoped to be repeated each year to enable the seminarians in different seminaries come together as a team to exchange ideas and experience each other. During this period the annual consultation with the bishop takes place. His Lordship discusses with each seminarian issues relating to his vocation. Seminarians are encouraged to express to his Lordship their expectations and opinions concerning their training and any ideas that would help to make Aba diocese great.

Report For Seminarians on Apostolic Work

Comprehensive reports
concerning seminarians on apostolic work after SS 3, for seminarians in the spiritual year and for those on probation are to be sent to the vocations office not later than the end of July 1996. Reports on Philosophers and Theologians on July/August apostolic work 1996 are to reach the vocations office not later than August 15, 1996. Seminarians are to submit their own personal reports and observations concerning their places of apostolic work on the day of consultation with the bishop.

Consultation with the Vocations Director:

All those who wish to discuss matters concerning vocations with the vocations director can do so during the office hours of the vocation ministry: Last Saturday of every month from 8.30 am - 12.30 pm and from 3.30 pm - 5 pm. The Venue is the Vocations Office at the chancery. You can write the vocations director any time through the address P.M.B. 7526 Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. For very urgent cases, please phone - Tel. 087-220704.

MEMENTO MORI:

OUR DEAD

For the past one year, death has bestowed cold and cruel hands on us. The Vocations Ministry sympathizes with those concerned. As a show of love and solidarity groups of Aba diocesan seminarians on April 12 1996 made condolence visits to their bereaved colleagues : Those visited include, Rev. Richard Adiukwu's home, Akpaa Osokwa, over the sudden death of his father. Rev. Fredrick Nwosu's compound, Umumkpeyi Nvosi, on the death of his father. Mr. James Ndukwe's residence, Eche Rd. Aba, over the death of his beloved father. Mr. Jude Nwaubani, Mgbokonta Umumkpeyi Nvosi over the sudden death of his father. Mr. Christian Emedolu, over the sudden death of his father. At these visits the seminarians prayed with the families at the grave sides for the repose of the souls of their beloved ones. Little purse was given to members of the families. The families on their part expressed great appreciation for love and care extended to them through these visits. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

ARTICLES FOR

PUBLICATION IN VOCATIONEWS

Our ministry publishes any articles that would help the growth of vocations in Aba diocese. Articles should be sent to the Vocations Director early enough for editing.

Congratulations on meritorious services in the Lord's vineyard

For 5 Years

Rev. Fr. Onwumdi W.

For 10 Years

Rev. Fr. Onyia G.

Rev. Fr. Nwofor, SMMM

For 20 Years

Rev. Prof. Egbulefu J. O.

For 30 Years

Very Rev. Msgr. Obiego C.

888888

FROM OUR MAILBOX

Although Aba diocese is one of the youngest dioceses East of the Niger, it is almost at the apex in terms of organization, orderliness and progress. Vocations Ministry is just a sign that Aba diocese is at the peak. Through the publications of the Vocations ministry, the faithful are enlightened on the activities of the diocese. Through the annual apostolic work report published by the Vocations Ministry, each parish determines the solidity of their faith. It is through the publications of the Vocations Ministry that Aba diocese is famous in almost all the countries in Europe. One may not know the real value of what one has until one loses it. We say congratulations to the Vocations Ministry. We wish the coordinator many more years in the Lord's vineyard. We congratulate, the Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. V. V. Ezeonyia C.S.Sp. for his docility of heart in pasturing the sheep of the Lord in Aba. We say bravo to the entire Priests of Aba diocese for cooperating with the Vocations Ministry. (Emmanuel Umeh and Felix Alaribe writing from Austria).