PHIL OKOSE, Onitsha
In his bid to correct the impression in some quarters that ordained priests are better off than non-priests, a Catholic priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, disclosed at the weekend that such an impression was wrong, stating that priesthood is a call or vocation.
According to him, the most important thing is to live a righteous life to make heaven, irrespective of one’s position in society, pointing out that righteousness and service to God are not exclusive tothe priesthood.
Addressing his classmates during a grand reunion of the Old Boys Association of All Hallows Seminary School, Onitsha,1983 set, he disclosed that living a good life and avoiding evil are the true measures of faith.
Hear him, “The Kingdom of God is the most essential pursuit in human existence.
God’s call to the priesthood is a vocation and not a reward for personal merit.
“God does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls. Those of us who became priests are not better than others. God simply chose us,” he maintained.
Fr. Udo recalled that all members of the set began their journey together at the seminary with the hope of becoming priests, but while some were ordained, others found fulfilment in different walks of life.
He emphasised that those who were not ordained lost nothing, as the priesthood is a divine call, revealing that scores of the Old Boys have excelled in other endeavours.
The reunion was preceded by a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, a member of the 1983 set even as the homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jude Udechukwu, while Dr. Chinedu Ezike read the first and second lessons.
The event brought together classmates from across Nigeria and Europe, who described the reunion as a rare opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and strengthen bonds forged decades ago within the walls of their alma mater.
Fielding questions from newsmen, the Chairman of the Association, Chief Stephen Ifechukwu Okosieme, corraborated the position of Fr. Udo that priesthood is a vocation instituted by God, explaining that while some classmates were ordained priests, others pursued different careers, while some had passed away.
He said the essence of life is using one’s gifts to serve God and humanity, adding that the reunion was primarily a thanksgiving to God.
Chief Okosieme, who disclosed that he has served the association for eight years, noted that members of the set have excelled in diverse fields, including the priesthood, trade and industry.
He described seminary life as a miracle, praising those who persevered to become priests, while recalling the rigours of formation that saw many students dismissed along the way.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Peter Sunday Obinze, expressed gratitude to members of the organising team, including Rev. Fr. Alfred Okakpu, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, Mr. Victor Adibe and Chief Okosieme.
Mr. Obinze, who was the first Senior Prefect of the 1983 set, said he was satisfied with the success of the reunion.
A member of the association, Mr. Paulinus Ikechukwu Odogwu, commended the organisers and described the event as a memorable occasion to relive years of shared struggles.
He urged members to support one another and pledged ₦2 million to the association.
Other pledges included a shuttle bus by Mr. Ikenna Okeke; hosting of the 2027 reunion by Mr. James Okpudo; ₦50,000 by Mr. Lawrence Chukwuka; educational support at Shanahan University by Mr. Benji Nwankwo; and a donation of 25 bags of rice to the seminary by Rev. Fr. Luke Ibe.
In his remarks, the Rector of All Hallows Seminary, Rev. Fr. Pascal Okonkwo, assured the old boys that the institution is progressing well.
He described Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, who is currently in residence at the seminary, as a great asset.
The event featured the presentation of gifts to Priests and members of the association while eating, drinking, jokes and convivial interactions marked the high point of the celebration.
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