Such a special day of joyful divine visitation was not strange to the majority of the hopeful faithful of St Flavius Catholic Church Oworonshoki. Many had enjoyed it in their respective home parishes. But in this their city parish , it would actually be the first time, both in preparation and celebration. Through prayer, education and setting up of a dynamic standing Ordination and Profession Committee, the parish priest, Fr Femi Pius Oladele MSP, prepared the people of God. That expected day was Sunday, the 5th September 2021. Rev. Fr. Theophilus, a former diligent Altar Server of St Flavius, in the happy assembly of clergy and Religious, seminarians, parishioners, parents, family members, friends and relations, presided over his priestly ordination thanksgiving Mass.
The concelebrants included Frs. Femi Pius Oladele MSP, Parish Priest, Emmanuel Ikeri, the priest in residence, Francis Anozie MSP, former parish priest, Rev. Fr. Pius Omofuma, pioneer Priest in-charge who made the initial discernment and gave Fr. Theophilus the letter of recommendation for admission to the seminary, among others. In his homily, Fr Pius Omofuma urged Fr Theophilus to persevere in prayer and the practice of discernment, without which a Christian would face lots of confusion and crisis, stressing that priestly ordination is not the destination but a different mode of being on the same route to eternal life, the homilist encouraged Fr Theo to be fervent in prayer and practice of virtues to overcome the inevitable forces of identity crisis.
Adding to the tips for peaceful priestly life, Fr Femi Said” Always obey your Bishop as you promised him during your ordination. Obedience is the key to happiness in the Catholic priesthood. A disobedient priest is never a happy priest.” At a formal reception directed by Mr and Mrs Griffith Ehebha, the Chair person of the Ordination and Profession Committee, Engr Clement Okonkwo, on behalf of the parish, added a car to their mission toolbox for Fr Theophilus, urging him to rely on the same special grace that led him through the formation years. The special day was equally graced with refreshment, traditional dances, greetings, reunions, exchange of gifts and showers of appreciation, prayers and blessings on everyone by Fr Theophilus.
