SBVOC, February 18, 2025
This past January, one of our Diocesan Priest, Father Arinze Ezeoke, visited Nigeria and celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for Priestly Ordination. We asked Father Arinze to share with us about his trip and some reflections on Priesthood:
Melodious sounds of joy incensed the air during my First Mass of Thanksgiving for Priestly Ordination in Amichi, Anambra State, Nigeria. At the entrance procession, the angelic choir had already sung about 30 minutes before we reached the Sanctuary of my family's home parish: Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Amichi. I was preceded by many priests, some of whom had been priests for decades in my childhood. These are priests I looked up to without imagining I would someday serve with them as priests.
When I traveled to Nigeria over a decade ago, I was a layman and did not anticipate my next visit would be as a priest. A lot has happened over the decade, including praying to God in my teenage years: “What do you want of me?” I’m eternally grateful to God for the courage to say “Yes” when the answer came: Priesthood. The changes in the decade dawned on me as I processed to the sanctuary through the Church aisle, beaming in joy from Religious Sisters, parishioners, childhood friends, uncles, aunties, and family, many of whom traveled from around the country and the United States for this Mass of Thanksgiving. By this time, the 1,500-seater church was filling up.
Although I grew up in Nigeria, the reminder quickly set in that “Sunday Mass ends when it ends.” Nobody was in a hurry, especially the choir. Everyone takes time with every prayer, song, procession, and dance. It is the typical manner of worship of ndị Igbo. In my hometown, Sunday is typically dedicated to rest, family time, and worship. Shops are closed. A typical parish would celebrate about two to three Masses, and families attend Mass on their Sunday's Best (best clothing). The memories from Sunday celebrations are items for discussion in marketplaces throughout the week.
In the homily, I shared my vocation story, our call to be a Holy Family (not a perfect family), and how I have seen this call lived out by individuals and families in my ministerial experience. God can use anyone who surrenders to Him and permits Him to use them.
After the Mass, pictures followed, and all roads led to my family's house. By the time I arrived, over 500 people were already seated under large canopies in the compound: music in the air, accompanied by the aroma of all kinds of delicacies. Then, a dance procession into my family's home. This time, I was accompanied by the Igwe Eneke Dance Group and my classmates from 7th grade, with whom I first entered the minor seminary many moons ago. In our class of 120 students in the 7th Grade, 23 are ordained priests, and some are married. Seminary life is about discerning God's will and seeking the grace to respond accordingly - whether to priesthood or another vocation.
More family and friends visited throughout the day. Religious gifts were shared, prayers and blessings followed, and many came bearing gifts in thanksgiving to God. This celebration would not be possible without the help and support of friends, family, and well-wishers.
During this occasion, a passerby could wonder whether this is the first ordination in our town. It isn't. I am one of 25 priests from my hometown, Amichi. Priesthood in Nigeria is highly revered. It gives the one called the opportunity to be on the path of heaven through his service to God and everyone in his community, including people of other denominations and religions. In my time at home, it was very moving to see how priests care for Christ in the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned.
The value of priesthood resonates in every corner of the world. Borrowing from the words of Paul Haffner, in Sacramental Theology, Christ washes his people clean through Baptism, “anoints and strengthens her with the oil of chrism in Confirmation and feeds her with His own Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Christ heals the sins of her members through Penance, [and] soothes their sickness in Anointing. He ministers to His mystical Bride in the sacrament of Orders and reflects His love for her in Holy Matrimony.” These actions of Christ are facilitated through the priest’s daily Yes to God and God's people. The ordained priest’s ministerial priesthood participates in the priesthood of Christ, and he is called to recognize, affirm, and collaborate with the common priesthood of God’s people. Priests are the servants of the servants of God. And for that, we give thanks to God.
Father Arinze’s First Mass of Thanksgiving was not just a personal milestone but a profound testament to God’s faithfulness and the communal joy of priestly service. As he continues in his vocation, he carries with him the prayers, love, and unwavering support of his family, friends, and the faithful, grateful for the privilege to serve Christ and His Church.
Please continue to pray for Father Arinze, and all of our Priests as we are always thankful for what they give to our communities WORLD WIDE!
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