S t. Martins De Porres Catholic Church and indeed the Agric Community stood still for Rev. Fr. James Olugbenga Arebiyi, CSsR, Parish Priest, St. Martins De Porres Catholic Church, Agric, Ojo, Lagos last Sunday when he celebrated his 10th priestly ordination anniversary in pomp. The milestone event which drew parishioners in their numbers to the Church was also attended by friends, family and well wishers of the celebrant who came in from far and near to be part of the festivities. Delivering the homily at Mass, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Odey thanked God for all the great things that He has done in the life of the celebrant Fr. Odey said all that have been manifested in Fr. James’ life, as well as his anniversary celebration are God’s gift. He said a lot of people see the priesthood as a comfortable career, full of amusement and luxury and total liberty. He added that the priesthood is a state of exhaustive labour. “Everything in the priest shows us that his life is that of an active hardworking man given to labourious occupation”, he said.
He disclosed that the nature of the priest’s ministry and office placed on him as preacher, confessor and administrator is not easy because there is nothing the priest has to do that does not have specification. “There has to be an exactness with which his ministry can be fulfilled.” He added that the account he would have to render to God on the last day and the chastisement that God has promised for any priest that falters will make one understand the life of a priest. For his part, Fr. Arebiyi expressed excitement and happiness celebrating his 10th priestly anniversary, as he added that it is a reminder of what he did 10 years ago coming to serve on the altar of God. He said he felt happy celebrating with his parishioners, brother priests, friends and family. On the journey so far, he said: “It has not been an easy journey. This is the second parish I have worked in. I worked at Ibadan and I have been here in St. Martins De Porres for over six years now. There have been times of joy and times of sadness, but by the grace of God, everything has been smooth and I give God the glory.
And that’s why I have decided to celebrate. He appreciated all that made the occasion a success, as he prayed that joy, happiness, unity and peace continues to reign in the parish and individual family. Speaking on the occasion, Bro William Ekejiuba, Chairman of the anniversary planning committee said Fr. James is a priest one can rely on at any given time. According to Him, “Fr. James is very articulated, very industrious and he is the kind of priest that whenever you have a challenge you call upon him. “Within a space of one and a half years we are almost roofing our two -storey church hall building because of his meticulous way of working. He’s the kind of person that works once funds come into his hands. He’s prudent in terms of managing funds. “He deserves to be celebrated even in a bigger way than we are doing. His personality is second to none. He works 24 hours a day for the church and parishioners. He’s a priest we can rely on.”
