Hello Friends,
I am excited to share that the Diocese of San Bernardino has welcomed a new seminarian from Nigeria, Declan Osueke! Declan hails from Amaohuru Nguru in the Aboh Mbaise area of Imo State, Nigeria, and joined us on September 28, 2024. Currently, he is residing at the Serra House of Formation, settling into our community and getting familiar with the culture and rhythms of life here.
Declan has completed both his philosophical and theological studies in Nigeria, which makes him well-prepared for this journey. He’s now on a unique formation track designed to deepen his understanding of our diocese and its needs. In addition to assisting in the Vocations Office, Declan has been accompanying me in ministry as he navigates his early experiences here. While he’s already fluent in English and his native language, he’s beginning to pick up Spanish to connect even more with our community.
If you happen to see Declan around, please join me in giving him a warm welcome and make him feel truly at home with your kindness and hospitality. Below, you'll find a brief autobiography he wrote, sharing more about his journey and background.
Peace and blessings to all,
Fr. Hau Vu, Vocations Director
MY VOCATION
My name is Declan Osueke Chinedu. I am a native of Amaohuru Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. I am the third of my parents' eight surviving children. My father passed away in 2006, and my mother is still living in Nigeria. My parents, being devout Catholics, raised me with strong religious and human values.
My vocation to the priesthood began in my childhood. I remember how my siblings and I were brought up with a deep reverence for God, a love for prayer, and a close connection to the Church. As an altar server, the priesthood held a profound meaning for me, even though I didn’t fully understand it at the time. With support from my family, friends, personal conviction, and guidance from my formators, I nurtured this calling through my years in both minor and major seminary.
I began my seminary formation at Mater Ecclesiae Minor Seminary in Nguru (Ahiara Diocesan Minor Seminary) in 1995. Entering junior seminary at the young age of 12 was both thrilling and intimidating. I was eager to explore my faith in a structured setting, but I quickly learned that this journey required dedication and resilience. The early days were filled with the excitement of new friendships, academic challenges, and a structured prayer life. Yet, communal life brought challenges as well—navigating different personalities taught me patience, empathy, and forgiveness.
One of my initial challenges was adapting to the disciplined seminary environment, which was both invigorating and overwhelming. I struggled with homesickness and academic pressures, but I quickly learned that resilience and community support were essential. Through mentorship and peer relationships, I came to value community and the shared journey toward a common goal.
As I progressed in the minor seminary, my understanding of vocation deepened, as did my internal struggles. The curriculum became more challenging, and I began questioning my motivations. This was a period of doubt, but I found strength in prayer and reflection, spiritual direction, and monthly recollections. I realized that questioning was not a lack of faith but a crucial part of my spiritual growth. Each struggle brought me closer to understanding my commitment to serve.
After six years of formation in the minor seminary, in 2001, I was assigned by my late bishop, Most Rev. Victor Chikwe, to complete a year of pastoral and teaching experience in our diocesan minor seminary. Following that, I entered a one-year spiritual formation program (2002-2003), then moved to the provincial seminary for philosophy for four years (2003-2007) and to Bigard Memorial Seminary for another four years of theology (2008-2012).
My senior seminary years were pivotal. By this time, I had developed a clearer sense of my vocation and identity. The personal struggles of earlier years had strengthened my resolve, and I took on pastoral placements at various parishes and institutions in the diocese. These experiences solidified my desire to serve and taught me the impact a priest can have in people’s lives.
In my second year of theology, on September 16th, 2010, my bishop passed away. His death left the diocese in turmoil, and his succession led to a prolonged crisis. In June 2012, as we prepared for ordination, the process was halted due to disputes over the appointment of a new bishop. This crisis led to years of postponement. The instability and uncertainty were difficult; many of my classmates left, but this delay only strengthened my commitment to the priesthood.
As the crisis continued, I felt a strong call to move forward in my vocation journey. After much prayer, I decided to apply to join the Diocese of San Bernardino in the USA, seeking a supportive environment where I could continue to grow in my priestly calling.
The transition has been challenging but immensely rewarding. The Diocese of San Bernardino welcomed me, giving me a renewed opportunity to pursue my vocation and serve the community. This unexpected journey has deepened my faith, and I am profoundly grateful to God, Bishop Alberto Rojas, Fr. Hau Vu, Vocations Director, and Fr. Javier, Rector of the Serra House of Formation, for welcoming me into this diocese to continue my journey to the priesthood.
-Declan Osueke, Seminarian
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