By Chikezie Ogbonna
The Catholic Diocese of Enugu today celebrated a monumental double jubilee – the silver and golden anniversaries of its priests from the 1999 and 1974 ordination sets. The grand occasion honored decades of unwavering service, sacrifice, and dedication to the Church and humanity.
In his opening address, the Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of priesthood. “Today, we celebrate life and achievement. These men have walked the path of service for 25 and 50 years. As a diocese, we pray for their continued good health, joy in their apostolate, and the grace to inspire others.”
The silver jubilee was marked by the celebration of Fr. Chukwueeze Christopher, Fr. Maduechesi Stanley, Fr. Uke John, and others who have devoted 25 years to pastoral ministry. Equally moving was the golden jubilee of five distinguished priests – Msgr. Ugwu Patrick, Rev. Fr. Onuma Paschal, Msgr. Okpalaibekwe Ferdinand, Rev. Fr. Amadi John, and Msgr. Edward Knife – whose 50 years of priesthood were described as “a testament to the power of Christ working through them.”
In a deep introspective homily, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Obodoagu, Director of the Ugwudinso Pastoral and Retreat Centre, likened the jubilarians to “living icons, anointed by God and sent forth to preach.” He declared their lives as “a divine symphony,” shaped by sacrifice, tested by trials, and rich with abundant harvests of faith.
“They have poured out their lives in faithful service, reflecting the truth of John 15:16. Their priesthood is not a career but a sacred vocation shaped by self-healing and sacrifice,” Fr. Obodoagu said.
The homilist struck a reflective tone, urging the jubilarians to embrace the jubilee as a time of rest, renewal, and restoration. He underscored the challenges priests face, including spiritual fatigue and the demands of pastoral care, but celebrated their resilience, likening their lives to a stained glass window: “From afar, it may seem fragmented, but when the light of Christ shines through, it reveals a masterpiece.”
Fr. Obodoagu also highlighted the need for ongoing support for retiring and ailing priests and called for a reawakening of their first love for Christ. “A priest must stay aflame with constant renewal,” he advised.
The celebration was graced by the presence of the Bishop, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga; the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo; the Vicar General, Rev. Msgr. Geoffrey Aguigwo; the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie; a host of priests, religious, and lay faithful.
The day’s atmosphere was one of profound gratitude, not just for the jubilarians’ personal milestones but for their collective impact. Fr. Obodoagu captured the essence of the occasion with his heartfelt words: “These priests have worked through valleys of sorrow and swam rivers of joy. In every challenge, they leaned on God, proving that He always comes through. Their priesthood has been a gift to the Church and a transformative force in the lives they’ve touched.”
As the Enugu Diocese celebrated these milestones, the message was clear: priesthood is a calling of divine purpose, one that transforms both the giver and the receiver. The jubilarians, described as “shepherds with the smell of their sheep,” stood as living reminders of the timeless power of faith, service, and sacrifice.
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