The Journey to the priesthood maybe a combination of so many factors, but two things stand out: Spirituality and Sound Moral disposition. It is spirit filled because one did not call himself, but God. It is of high moral ethical standard because those called no longer focus on material gains, hence Jesus declared; ”Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundred fold and will inherit eternal life” (Luke18: 29-30).
The celebration of Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins 40 years’ anniversary of priesthood captured the whole essence of the picture herein. Born in June 1st, 1959 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Martins, in Abeokuta, he showed early sign of becoming what he is today. He had his early primary education at St. Augustine Primary School, Abeokuta and later enrolled at St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan, where the evidence of becoming a priest clearly showed and became irresistible.
He thereafter proceeded to the Great Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul, Bodija, Ibadan where he had his priestly training, leading to his ordination with seven others of the Archdiocese of Lagos. His crave for more knowledge also provided yet another opportunity, and this time at University of Ibadan where he bagged a Master’s degree and later his doctorate at St. Andrew University, Scotland, during which time he was equally called to higher office.
For four decades, and still counting, His grace has remained undaunted in his ministry. He spent fourteen years as the Bishop of Abeokuta. While there, he recorded significant achievements in the Diocese in which case fifteen parishes were added to the then existing twelve parishes he met on ground. Till date, Archbishop Martins’ unwavering commitment to the service of God and humanity connects him with people of all ages. His spread of the gospel message has remained resolute. His sermons have remained very profound, laced with humility. As the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, many of his flocks see him as a compassionate leader, whose words edify the spirit.
There is nothing more to say about this servant of God at this auspicious time than what the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), captured in their goodwill message presented to this servant of God by the President of the body, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji. This however, captured the whole essence of this celebration: “My brothers in the episcopate, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Your Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, we your brothers, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria are gathered round you today in the spirit of Episcopal fraternity and communion, to felicitate and thank God with you, for graciously calling you to the holy priesthood 40 years ago, and to the episcopate 25 years ago. We praise and thank Him (God) for offering you the grace all these years to face your apostolic concern as a humble, gentle, committed and compassionate priest with a heart that beats for the poor and the less privileged.
Through your dedicated and exemplary life and ministry, you have impacted and mentored many lives in Abeokuta Diocese, Archdiocese of Lagos, and across the country, as a seminary formator, a Bishop and a Metropolitan Archbishop. This auspicious occasion offers me the much desired opportunity to commend you for your outstanding, selfless service to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria over the years as the Chairman to CBCN Committee and Ecumenism, Assistant Secretary to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, briefly as Secretary of the conference, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of and Chairman of Council of Catholic Institute of West Africa, CIWA, and now as Chairman of the Department of Church and Society, and Board Chairman of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria, CCFN.
As you celebrate today, surrounded by your colleagues, the Class of 8, the Class of Charity, the flock, your relations, friends and well-wishers, I congratulate you and wish you many more years of joy, peace, good health and fulfillment in the Lord’s vineyard. May your silver through divine affirming turn gold. May God preserve you in His love. Ad Multos Annos”.
