MY 12 TH ANNIVERSARY

REFLECTION OF MY (REV FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR) PRIESTLY LIFE ON MY 12^TH PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY 7^TH AUGUST 2011 AT PARROCCHIA SACRO CUORE DI GESU VOGOGNA DIOCESI DA NOVARA NORD ITALIA

Priesthood is a Holy victim and a sacrificial gift. It is traditionally apostolic in nature and ecclesiastically engraved with and in obedience. At this 12^th priestly anniversary what exactly can I boast of regarding my life in this theocentric sacerdotal mystery? How unworthy I am and so empty and vacuum I see myself in the priesthood within this 12 years. Oh God forgive my spiritual emptiness and vacuum. For this spiritual vacuum and empty morality, let your divinity bring closer to Yourself all whom I have met within these years, and in future that they may be able to identify Christ in me. I remember with joy the first matrimony I officiated after my ordination was that of my younger sister PHILOMENA NKEMAKOLAM with her husband JOSEPH AGU ON 12^TH DECEMBER 1999. Oh God continue to bless their family as YOU shower the same blessings to all families in the world. As I trek down this morning from the presbytery by 8:30 AM to RITA DE REGIBUS house for the first Holy Mass at ORATORIO SANT’ LORETTO by 9:00 AM she said PADRE TI AUGURO PER IL TUO ANNIVERSARIO SACERDOZIO OGGI, immediately I started to reflect over that word PADRE, am I sincerely a PADRE to all who have come to me for prayers, advice and direction towards drawing closer to God? After the Holy Mass at the Oratorio RITA’S sister LIDIA DE REGIBUS came to wish me happy anniversary and she dropped a Rosary on my hand and said this for you. This reminds me of an unalloyed dedication to OUR BLESSED VIRGIN MOTHER OF PRIESTS. Oh Mother Immaculate pray for me that I will ever remain chaste and preach and show Christ the Eternal High Priest to the world without fear but with courage. Let me also accept the waves and strong wind in my life with joy as the Gospel of this 19^th Sunday of the Year A, rightly showed in Matt.14:22-23. After the second Holy Mass by 10:30 AM at the Parish Church of SACRO CUORE DI GESU at the Sacristy, a woman came in and said, “VOGLIO PARTICIPARE NEL TUO DODICESIMO ANNIVERSARIO DI SACERDOZIO, TENGO QUESTA IL MIO OFFERTA”. Immediately I asked myself do I deserve this gesture?, In all things Ad Mayorem Dei Gloriam. Oh God “What is man that you keep him in mind, mortal man that care for him Ps. 8:5 – Who am I that you should bless me with your mysterious nature and made me participate in your sacred priesthood as to receive such goodness from you through your people?”. “Qui retribua Domine qui omnibus retribuit mihi …Oh how can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will raise the Cup of salvation and call on the Lord’s name” Ps.116:12-13. Have I been able to be calling the Lord’s name worthily, sincerely, devoutly, devotedly, dedicatedly, religiously, spiritually and liturgically with the mind of the Church, in, with and for the Church or for my own selfish purposes? Oh God because of the many times I have raised your Chalice unworthily consciously or unconsciously I cry out with the Psalmist “Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassionate blot out my offence, Oh wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. My offenses truly I know them, my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone have I sinned, what is evil in your sight I have done” Ps 50:3-5. Oh Lord I thank you so immensely that you gave me the opportunity before the third Holy Mass today by 18:00 hours (6:00 PM) you allowed me to exercise the ministry of Sacrament of Reconciliation to one of your beloved child by that you made him clean and forgive his sins making him worthy to participate in your great Sacrament of Love.

     Therefore, I meditate my priestly life for these 12 years with regard to the 12 Apostles and pray thus:

1)    PETER (ROCK) [Feb. 22 & June 29] – As PETER, may I always be the rock by which all whom I may meet every where consolidate their faith in Christ, the Eternal priest.

2)    ANDREW (MANLY and HANDSOME) [Nov. 30] – Like ANDREW, may my manly nature be a means of fostering vocation to the priesthood for the youths.

3)    JAMES THE GREAT (WALKING ON GOD’S TRACKS) [July 25] – By my daily walking on God’s tracks as JAMES THE GREAT, may I always draw people to God.

4)    JOHN THE EVANGELIST (GOD IS MERCIFUL) [Dec. 27] – May my priestly ministry as JOHN THE EVANGELIST be anchored majorly on the mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, celebration of the Holy Eucharist and proclamation of the Gospel (kerygma). May I perform all these with joy always without complain.

5)    PHILLIP (LOVER OF HORSES) [May 3] – May my special love for natural beings, things and beautiful environments, as PHILLIP, add vigour to my happiness and love in the priestly ministry.

6)     BARTHOLOMEW (CHILD OF THE BRAVE ONE) [Aug. 24] – As BARTHOLOMEW, may the fruitful apostolate of my priestly work be garnished by the bravely nature of proclamation of the Word of God.

7)     THOMAS (TWIN) [July 3] – May my daily priestly celebration of the Mysteries IN PERSONA CHRISTI and with balanced HUMAN RELATIONSHIP be like twin-nature which THOMAS signifies.

8)    MATTHEW (GOD’S GIFT or GIFT OF GOD) [Sept. 21] – The priesthood of Christ which I am privileged to share is a GIFT OF GOD which MATTHEW signifies, so may I always give without charge as Christ commanded.

9)    JAMES THE LESS (WALKING ON GOD’S TRACKS) [July 25] – The miracles done by God in my priestly activities each day and each moment brings out the greatest of God, though I am less and small before God but TO GOD BE THE GLORY as JAMES THE LESS is seen in my apostolate.

10) JUDE THADDAEUS (GIFT OF GOD) [Oct. 28] – At the Last Supper JUDE THADDAEUS asked the Lord why he showed himself only to the disciples and not to the world cf. John 14:22. As I participate in the discipleship of Christ as JUDE THADDAEUS, May the GIFT OF GOD-CHRIST HIMSELF, be shown and given to the people by all I do.

11) SIMON (GOD LISTENS or HEARS) [Oct. 28] – Like SIMON the Apostle, may I always LISTEN attentively to people in the administration of the Sacraments especially in the Confessional and before the witnessing or officiating of any marriage.

12) MATTHIAS (GIFT OF GOD) [May 14] – The apostleship of MATTHIAS was done with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, hence GOD’S GIFT to MATTHIAS. Therefore as I share this gift of apostleship, may I remain faithful IN and TO THIS GIFT, as it is a privilege and not a right.

Before the celebration of my (FR PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR) 12^TH PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY 7^TH AUGUST 2011, I wrote a letter asking people-Priests, Seminarians, Religious women, Married Men and Women, Young and Old Men and Women, Boys and Girls for prayers and advice on how to go about in the priesthood on how best to be a good and holy priest. Below were their sincere contributions for my 12^th year priestly anniversary.

1. John Baptist Ssonko to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 Show details 3:12 AM (0 minutes ago)

Okay Fr. I will pray for you! Congratulations! God is good! I celebrated my 10th Priestly anniversary on 14th July. I wondered how Fr. Antonio remembered. Please pray for me as I pray for you! May God bless you.

Fr. Ssonko J.B.

2. Rev. Father Clement Aghadinuno to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 Show details 5:20 AM (0 minutes ago)

My dear Fr Ikechukwu,

Please, I thank you for the advance notice of your 12years a priest come August 7. Congratulations. Many more happy years in the vineyard of the Lord. So far you have demonstrated a true zeal, commitment and love for the priestly ministry. I am certain you will spare no energy to foster even more affection and possession of that mind which is in Christ Jesus. Your usual preference for humility, sincerity and fraternity will open the door for greater handwork and accomplishments for God. Let it be always your driving goal: to do something beautiful for God. Be assured of my continued fervent prayers for you and all your ordination set. May our Blessed Mother intercede for you. Ad multos et fautissimos annos! God bless you. Ciao!

Fr Clement A.

3. Vin Adibe to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 Show details 10:48 AM (0 minutes ago)

Dear Fr. Paul,

Congratulation to your priestly Anniversary!  You should be assured that every effort you are making to live your life as priest of the Lord is pleasing to God. Your consciousness to live a Holy life is your key to success. Hold unto that, His grace always abounds.

I hope you have started your summer holidays. I wish you the best in your place of summer work. Have you heard from our people at home?  Extend my warm greeting to all. May God grant you fulfillment in His Vineyard.

Your Sr. Vinclare

4. omoigwe@yahoo.com to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 Show details 11:07 AM (0 minutes ago)

Ogundipe, nnaa Happy Priestly Anniversary in advance and Congrats in all your achievements all these while. I wish you success in all you do and pledge my prayerful support as you journey along in this apostolate of humble and dedicated service to God and his people. Jisie ike. -Omo Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

5. Stanley Masilompana to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011(From South Africa) Show details 11:29 AM (0 minutes ago)

Dear Paul. My brother happy to hear about this good news. About the priestly anniversary coming soon. I am not a good writer like you my brother but with my simple words I will certainly find a way to send you a message for congratulating you. Have a wonderful day!

Stan.

6. Michael Seheri to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 (From South Africa) Show details 12:01 PM (0 minutes ago)

Caro,

Thanks for informing me. Twelve years is not a child's play - it's a long time indeed. In fact, am the one who should be asking you for advice since I'm a few years a priest. I will certainly remember you at the Eucharist on the day of your anniversary. May God continue to guide you in your ministry.

Michael

7. Ignatius Okuta to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 Show details 12:11 PM (0 minutes ago)

DEAREST FR,

CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY IN ADVANCE!

THE LORD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.

MAY HIS NAME BE PRAISED FOR GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE HIM ACTIVELY FOR THESE YEARS.

MAY HE CONTINUE TO PROTECT AND GUIDE YOU ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE. YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, A PRIEST IN ORDER OF MELCHIZEDECK. ORDAINED TO BE HOLY, DEDICATED IN HIS SERVICE, PRAYERFUL, OFFERING YOUR LIFE IN RAMSOM FOR MANY, IN WEAKNESS AS HUMAN PERSON YOU ARE SUSTAINED BY HIS GRACE TO PERSEVER TO THE END.

REMAIN BLESSED AS I LOOK FORWARD TO MY BIRTH DAY TOMORROW.

FR IG.

8. Dei Ike to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 Show details 12:27 PM (0 minutes ago)

Dear Ogun,

Be rest assured of my prayers. And be also confident that the good God who has chosen you will not let you down. He has assured us that the work is His, and he is always there to help us even when it seems that we have forgotten. In everything, I wish you a very wonderful priestly Anniversary.

Bye Dei

9. THADDEUS NWOKEJI to me show details 4:39 PM (0 minutes ago)

Dear Fr. Paul,

Kindly accept my sincere congratulations upfront. I believe that God has so worked with you and in you. Indeed, given my own knowledge of your commitment, dedication, responsibility and singleness of purpose, you have every reason to celebrate the privileged honour of the Catholic priesthood for these 12 solid years. Congrats once more. I will not fail to commend your love for the Church of Christ. Holiness is not all about handwork. It has a lot to do with grace. Humility in understanding our humanity is also part of it. Sincere determination to put in your best and to love the Triune God in this Church while serving His people cannot be excluded. Fr. Paul, we are all on the dance floor. May we uphold ourselves in prayers. Congratulations again and God keep you.

In union of prayers,

Thaddeus

10. Chukwu merem (Paul Obiji) to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 show details 5:01 PM (0 minutes ago)

Ogun, Happy anniversary and congratulations in advance. My sincere advice to you on how to be a good and holy priest is that all the soldi you will get this estate should be given to me (Onyeamuma) without reservation so that your reward will be reserved in heaven. May God bless you as you do this.

11. Charles Nwankwo to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 show details 8:17 PM (0 minutes ago)

Fr Paul,

I wu dike, congratulations in advance. Nnaa men, so i wuola ihe a for 12 freaking years. Agbira gi nuo. How time fly. I remember your ordination , it seems like yesterday. I wish you many more fruitful years in the good Lord’s vineyard. You and I know that there is no yard stick to measure holiness. I think you are doing just alright. Holiness is like wealth , those who have it, wants more of it , because it’s never enough. For aspiring to have more of holiness means that , i so na onu ogugu ndi na acho dinwenu . St Augustine said that "our souls cannot rest, unless in the Lord" and His business. Hence may the Good Lord who started His good work in you bring it to a rich fulfillment. I am in Iraq, right now , i am serving in US lead Operation New Dawn in Iraq. My family is in the States and they are doing alright. My tour of duty will end sometime in November and i will be back to the States. How is life treating you generally ? I believe that ,onyenweanyi na azu gi dika Elephant. It’s been a while men , how about Diwe, Vinclare and all the good people around you? I hope to chat with you soon. My Skype ID is  charles.nwankwo3 .We could talk on video any time . MY regards to all around you , i wish you the very best in all your circumstances.

12. Charles Light to me Wednesday 27^th July 2011 Show details 10:16 PM (0 minutes ago)

I'm still cooking up your fufu for reflection on that your 12th priestly anniversary. Qtn: have tried to measure up to what you promised the Lord on that day 7th August 1999? Remember mine is a day before yours. Let's pray for each other as priesthood has its own crosses.

13. Diribe Cyriacus to me  Show details 4:36 PM (0 minutes ago)  Thursday 28^th July 2011

My Dear Fr,

I glorify God, I reverence Him and give Him all the glory. This is 12 years of labour in the Lord's vineyard. He sees, He hears and He will surely bless you. We are praying for you and no matter the distance, time and challenges, we shall celebrate one day. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND GOD'S GRACE. With love from, Cyriac

14. Maria dulce moura guedes silva to me Thursday 28^th July 2011 Show details 8:12 PM (0 minutes ago)

HELLO!  THE GATHERING IN ROMA  FLOW VERY WELL.  BUT MY DOCTOR  GIVE ME ONE  ANTIDEPRESS DIFFERENT SOON I )M STAY SAD ,SENSITIVE AND WEEP FOR MY SISTER COME WITH US  ANNOYING  WITH ME.

I DON´T FORGET  12PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY IN 7 TH AUGUST, I PRAY FOR YOU!  THE PRIEST IS TO SERVER GOD AND THE BROTHERS. TO PRAY AND TO SPEAK WITH GOD EVERY TIME OUR LIFE. TO CELEBRATE HOLY

COMMUNION AS 1 TH TIME WITH MANY LOVE IN THE HEART FOR JESUS.

MY MOTHER DIE IN 6 AUGUST 2006.  I WISH YOU THE HAVE HAPPY DAY!!!!!!!!!!  WHAT IS  YOUR COUNTRY?   AND WHERE YOU ARE THE LAND WHO TO SAY MASS?I AM VILA NOVA DE GAIA - PORTO -PORTUGAL.

GOD BLESS YOU!

15. Giuseppe De Virgilio to me Thursday 29^th July 2011 Show details 8:43 PM (0 minutes ago)

Carissimo fr, Paul, grazie per il tuo ricordo. Prego anch'io per te e per il tuo ministero ne; 12.mo anniversario, con tanto affetto e stima. IL Signore ci chiede di diventare santi!

d. Giuseppe De Virgilio

16. Immaculata Osueke to me Thursday 29^th July 2011 show details 9:20 PM (0 minutes ago)

Hi Fr.,

How are you?  Congrats on your anniversary.  Time runs so fast that you are now grown

12 years old. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless and reward you abundantly. You have been an example in the Lord's house continue to do so. Don't look back on the past but let us LOOK TO THE FUTURE.  The Lord know the heart and the intention of each one. May you continue to Struggle each day.  Amen.

Your Sister,

 Sr. Obioma

17. Rachel Jane to me Friday 29^th July 2011 show details 11:46 PM (0 minutes ago)

Dear Fr,

As u celebrate ur anniversary, just listen to the words written in the Holy Bible: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (JAMES 1:12-13, 16-17 NKJ). Temptation to yield - overcome it! Temptation to blame God, fate and everybody around you in all your troubles - overcome it! All your life is the sequence of choices. When u make ur choice in favor of faith - u win! Overcoming adversities and demonstrating strong will and belief, that's how u will obtain the "crown" - for u have shown ur love to God, by accepting all challenges as needed and coping with them with the name of God on ur lips. And God loves u, helps u and supports u, and this is the main truth u should remember when fighting with difficulties in life. Don't be alone in your struggle, accept it and entrust to your God. For, as He said, "…When you pass through the waters I will be with you; when you pass through rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I Am the Lord…your Savior." (Isaiah 43:2, NIV). All your mundane difficulties may seem crucial and catastrophic to u, but in fact they are only the episodes in the history of humanity. Each life is a saint and important in the eyes of God, so don't think your faith and sacrifice are inessential. They mean a lot, especially when they are heartfelt and sincere. So keep running on the right track of victory- for a golden crown awaits u in d end. HAPPY 12TH ANNIVERSARY!!!

I love u

Nkasi

18. Marostegan to me Saturday 30^th July 2011 show details 10:50 AM (0 minutes ago)

Caro Don Paul,

auguri da tutti noi per il tuo anniversario!

L'unico consiglio che posso darti è di essere sempre sincero, sia con te stesso, sia con gli altri. Tanti saluti da Irene, Don Costantino e famiglia

19. VALERIA DE MICHELI to me Saturday 30^th July 2011 Show details 12:07 PM (0 minutes ago)

Dear Don Paul,

 tanti cari auguri per il tuo anniversario di ordinazione, sei un bravo prete, ricordo tutte le cose che mi hai detto e scritto quando ero in difficoltà con Maurizio mio marito: mi sono state molto utili, specialmente le citazioni dalla Bibbia che mi facevi.

 Io spero di poterti rivedere presto, magari a Treviglio ( BG ). Ora la mia vita religiosa va molto meglio, vado in Chiesa la domenica, non sempre, ma almeno ogni tanto, mentre prima non ci andavo mai. Di questo devo ringraziare anche te, che mi dicevi: Ma non è Dio a darti la salute per andare al lavoro? Un abbraccio forte e a presto, saluti anche da Maurizio,

Yours, Valeria.

20. Reply |OKORONKWO MICHAEL to me Saturday 30^th July 2011 Show details 4:19 PM (0 minutes ago)

I humbly join you in thanking the Almighty God as you celebrate your 12th year in the Lords vine yard. I pray that the Almighty God will bless you with good life and health as you serve him more to his eternal glory, Amen. Secondly I will not fell to advice to remember what you promised twelve years in front of the entire people of God and your Bishop { preach what you believe and practice what  you  preach}. And then continue to be prayerful for St. Luke will say "pray always and never lose heart". I think with this, you will continue move on as a good priest of God. Finally take good care of yourself and with prayerful best wishes. MAY GOD BLESS AND GUIDE YOU, AMEN.

21. francesca.battistutt@libero.it to me Sunday 31^st July 2011 Show details 10:50 AM (0 minutes ago)

Caro don Paul,

ti assicuro la mia preghiera e quella di tutta la famiglia per te, perchè tu possa essere un santo sacerdote nella Chiesa del Signore. Preparando assieme ad un gruppo di giovani, una semplice riflessione sulle letture di questa domenica ci siamo resi conto che il Signore ha bisogno del nostro poco, il miracolo della moltiplicazione lo fa Lui. Basta che noi condividiamo con gli altri ciò che abbiamo: non solo le gioie ma anche le difficoltà e le debolezze. Ho poi una bella notizia da darti: parteciperò alla GMG (giornata mondiale della gioventù) a Madrid e all'incontro dei giovani con papa Benedetto XVI. Anch'io chiedo a te una preghiera perchè l'esperienza chè farò mi aiuti a  crescere nelle fede e nell'amore verso il Signore.Buona domenica Un caro saluto

Francesca

----Messaggio originale----

Da: munachisom@gmail.com

Data: 28/07/2011 18.20

A: <francesca.battistutt@libero.it>

Ogg: 12TH PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY 7TH AUGUST 2011

Carissima Irene,

Ti prego di pregare nella Santa Messa per me specialmente in primo Domenica di agosto, giorno 7 agosto 2011 perchè sarà il mio 12 anniversario di sacerdozio. Ho bisogno un consigli come comportarmi anche come essere un santo prete dedicata alla mia apostolato o servizio nella Chiesa anche con le gente. Grazie ti aspetta il tuo consigli. Dio ti benedica.

DON PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR.

22. Paul Odoeme to me Monday 1^st August 2011 show details 10:58 AM (13 hours ago)

Hai Paul, of course be rest assured that you will be specially remembered at my Mass on your 12th priestly Anniversary. I suggest to every priest striving to holiness the little way of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus: doing ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Living our lives simply and offering all we do to the Glory and Honour of God, and being conscious of our weakness: presenting ourselves daily to God as weak instruments, who are constantly in need of His grace and assistance. That is also my advice to you. You have always done it so well, and by His grace you will continue to grow in it. Chukwu gbaa gi ume! I plan to be in Rome on 31st of this month, to depart on 1st September. Will you be in Rome then? Will be glad to see you. I have not yet transferred the Chasuble money to your account. I am waiting to see if I could get something I could add to it for your December home visit. As soon as I do that I will let you know. Please let me know if you are in Rome on 31st 1st. Ciao!

Fr. Paul

23. 2011/8/1 iryfrancy@alice.it iryfrancy@alice.it 11.51am Monday 1^st August 2011

domenica prossima ti ricorderò. intanto di invio in allegato delle righe che mi sono ricordata di aver letto in un libro che secondo me è fantastico. Dalle ultime righe della lettera che don Antonio Bellina scrisse a Don Pierluigi di Piazza il 18 ottobre 1975 in merito all’essere prete. (queste righe le ho trovate a pp. 44-45 del libro di Pierluigi di Piazza, Fuori dal tempio. La Chiesa al servizio dell’umanità, Laterza, 2011.)

“Hai tre strade da scegliere. La prima è quella della verità. Presentandoti come sei, devi dare una mano al popolo a liberarsi da tutte le catene che lo tengono prigioniero. Devi farlo crescere nella libertà, comminando davanti a lui nella terra promessa. Se scegli questa strada, ti troverai contro immancabilmente il vescovo, i preti, i politici, i padroni, i bigotti, forse anche i tuoi amici. Avrai solo il conforto di Cristo e della tua coscienza. Puoi scegliere la seconda, che è quella della gran parte dei preti: non mettersi contro nessuno, fare funzioni religiose, dottrina, avvicinare coloro che sono ritenuti poveracci, dare ragione a tutti e non coinvolgersi con nessuno. Lasciare che la povera gente vada per la sua strada. Se scegli di non essere né pepe né sale, non avrai contro nessuno, farai solo pena. La terza strada l’hanno scelta in molti. Fregarsene della gente e mettersi dalla parte dei potenti. Avrai soldi, amici, ti faranno monsignore, potrai mettere da parte anche qualche soldo. Avrai il potere di trovarti molto bene in questo mondo. Avrai solo qualche imbarazzo a rispondere a Colui che ti aveva inviato a fare tutto tranne queste porcherie.

Come vedi hai di che scegliere” Don Pierluigi ha fondato il Centro Balducci, a Zugliano (Ud) (13 km da Manzano) e ha uno straordinario carisma. Nel centro le attività culturali e spirituali sono moltissime. Visita il sito www. centrobalducci.org

Un saluto

Irene

24. mikeagbayi@yahoo.com to me  Wednesday 3^rd August 2011 show details 9:02 AM (14 minutes ago)

Dear Fr. Ogun, we prayed for u on ur 7th anniversary and wish u the best. U are doing well. Just keep applying the principles u know and follow ur conscience. We were kept busy that day at Acha at the first mass of Fr. Kenneth Onyeabor Smmm the junior brother of Sr. Veritas Onyeabor Dmmm  Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

25. Vital Pierre André Nkenlifack to me  Thursday 4^th August 2011 Show details 12:09 PM (2 hours ago)

Dear Fr Paul,

Happy feast in advance.

I am sorry for not having been able to answer your mail. You wrote it precisely on the day I was celebrating my 9h priestly ordination anniversary. On that day I meditated quasi on the same question you asked me. The answer I believe to have received was my priestly MOTO: "Look towards Him and be radiant". While I would strongly advise you to go back to your priestly MOTO, or to consider also this necessity of turning our look on CHRIST! "Look towards Him and be radiant" (Ps 33, 6).

FR VITAL

26. Anyanwu peter to me Thursday 4^th August 2011 show details 8:57 PM (1 hour ago)

Carissimo Paolo,

Augurione per la tua festa. Sono insieme a te nelle preghiere e buona volonta'. Tu sei gia' bravo, dunque mantiene la ruota bene. Abbracci.... d. ebubenna

27. Charles Light to me show details 9:19 PM (38 minutes ago) Thursday 4^th August 2011

CONGRATULATIONS UPON YOUR TWELVE YEARS' SERVICE IN THE LORD’S VINEYARD.

"Let the grace that is in you through the laying on of hands be rekindled." (2 Timothy1:8)

When you celebrate your 12th ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY, it is actually not about you. It’s about the PRIESTHOOD which you are a model. It’s about CHRIST whom you exemplify. It’s about the wonderful work of a priest, and the way you touch the lives of so many. In occasions like this, we have a chance to express our love and gratitude for all the achievements in the twelve years of your ministry in the Lord’s vineyard. We thank you, Fr. Paul, for your fidelity, for your loyalty to Mother Church, for YOUR gentleness and humour, for the wonderful things you have done for many people wherever you have served. 12 years of faithfulness and loyalty to Christ’s bride: the Church is for you, Rev. Fr “Paul”, both a heavenly blessing and an opportunity to further Christ’s works in the lives of God’s people. FORTHESE YEARS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN CELEBRATING MASS, you must have come to realize that “Mass” is much more important than you ever thought. You always knew that the Mass has infinite value, infinite merits as Christ’s Sacrifice of Calvary made present continually on our altars and offered for us to the Father. But you must have experienced, more and more, that the Mass is what the priest is about. In one direction: The Mass is what the priest is about because only the priest can offer the Mass. But in another direction: The Mass is what the priest is about because the priest qua priest is not about what he is doing but about Christ. Whose body do you feed the people with? Is it Not Christ’s? Whose words do you say in the consecration? Are they Not Christ’s? And as you stand at the altar as the intermediary between God’s people and the Father, in whose person do you stand? IS IT NOT Christ’s? And in as much as you are a TRUE priest, this holds for ALL that you do. When you teach, when you preach, when you visit the sick, when you bless a home. If you are doing ALL these things IN REALITY then it is not you who do them but Christ, with you as His instrument. May God grant His servant more wonderful and fulfilling years of dedicated service to Jesus and His Church.

28. Ignatius Okuta to me Sunday 7^th August 2011 show details Aug 7 (2 days ago)

DEAR FR IK,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR PRIESTHOOD. GLORY TO GOD ALMIGHTY THAT HAS CALLED YOU INTO THE BANQUET OF HIS WEDDING FEAST. IN YOUR MOTHER'S WOMB HE HAS CALLED. IN YOUR MOTHER'S WOMB YOU HAD RESPONSDED AND EXPRESSED YOUR READINESS AND WILLINGNESS TO SERVE HIM, WHICH YOU MANISFESTED OFFICIALLY OF THE DAY YOU WERE ORDAINED. TODAY YOU REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE IT WITH JOY AND HAPPINESS. PRECISELY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT GOD CALLED SAMUEL HE RESPONDED WITH ALL HIS HEART TO BECOME THE PROPHET OF HIS PEOPLE ISREAL. THIS MISSION HE HAD CARRIED TO THE END ONTO THE GLORY OF GOD AND SALVATION OF HIS PEOPLE (CF. 1 SAM, 3, 1-20). THE SAME IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, GOD CALLED THE APOSTLES AND THEY LEFT EVERYTHING TO FOLLOW HIM. THEY CARRIED OUT THEIR MISSION OF PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS OF THE WORLD WHICH IS YIELDING MUCH FRUITS TODAY (MT.  4, 18-22). TODAY ALL YOU’RE FRIENDS AND WELL WISHERS JOIN YOU IN THANKING GOD FOR THE CALLING AND THE MISSION GOD HAS ENTRIUSTED TO YOU TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS. THIS YOU HAVE CARRIED OUT WITH ALL DEDICATION AND SERVICE. MAY GOD SUPPORT YOU WITH HIS GRACE AS YOU CONTINUE TO WORK IN HIS VINE YARD. MAY HE BE BEFORE YOU TO GUIDE YOU BY YOUR SIDE TO PROTECT YOU,, AT YOUR BACK TO SUPPORT YOU, ABOVE YOU TO CONTINUE TO SHOWER HIS BLESSINGS AND KINDNESS. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND REMAIN BLESSED IN THE LORD.

YOURS IN JESUS AND MARY.

FR IG.

29. Martin Uwakwe to me Sunday 7^th August 2011 show details Aug 7 (2 days ago)

On this day 12 years ago a great priest was ordained. A priest of great spirituality, intellectual of discipline. It is only pertinent that at this occasion your virtues are extolled. You are an epitome of an ideal priest. You left an indelible footprint in my life, never to be erased. Happy anniversary

30. Antonio Rodríguez de Rivera to me Sunday 7^th August show details Aug 7 (2 days ago)

Carissimo Paul, Sono felice di scriverti per unirmi al tuo ringraziamento a Dio nel tuo 12º anniversario sacerdotale. Oggi prego per te con speciale affetto, perché lo Spirito Santo ti aiuti ad identificarti con i sentimenti di Cristo, in modo che tu sia un efficace Ministro della Misericordia divina. Coraggio! Tutto bene nel tuo programma di estate?... Saluti, nel mese di settembre, per D. Giacomo. Io sto bene, grazie a Dio, mi raccomando alle tue orazioni. Spero che potremo incontrarci prima del tuo rientro in Nigeria. Un abbraccio fraterno ed affettuoso

Antonio

D. Antonio Rodríguez de Rivera

Viale Bruno Buozzi, 46

00197 Roma

Tel. 06-3244146

E-mail: antrodriv@gmail.com

31. Geoffrey to me Tuesday 9^th August 2011 show details 6:38 AM (4 hours ago)

Nwannekwuu, Ole otu-idi ebahu? ejim aka ona ga? This is a beautiful reflection. BRAVO.

CONGRATULATION ON YOUR PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY.12 A PERFECT AND SIGNIFICANT YEAR AND NUMBER. May God continue to see you through. Shala-nwanna.

32. Congratulations !

maria dulce moura guedes silva to me Wednesday 10^th August 2001 show details 5:53 PM (2 hours ago)

CONGRATULATIONS FOR 12 YEAERS A PRIEST! I DIDN’T FORGET! HOW TO SPEND THIS DAY? GOD IS WITH YOU! HE LOVE YOU SO MUCH, GOD TAKE YOU IN ONE’S ARMS! YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD! I’M REST VERY HAPPY FOR YOU. WE LOVE SAME GOD! OBRIGADO (THANK YOU)! FOR ALL. WE CONTINUE FRENDS. BROTHERS IN GOD. TOMORROW MORNING I"M GOING TO MAKE THE EXAMINATIONS AND THE BIOPSY AND A SMALL CIRURGY. PLEASE, PRAY FOR ME!

JESUS AND MARY REMAIN WITH YOU!    MARIA DULCE

33. CHIMA IGNATIUS to me Wednesday 10^th August 2011 show details 11:14 PM (15 hours ago) A priest 4 ever. A priest is a member of every family, yet he belongs to none.

34. Kennedy Ibeh to me Monday 15^th August 2011 Assumption Day show details 1:22 PM (3 hours ago) GREETINGS! THE PRIEST OF GOD

Good friend and good master. I am using this medium to formally wish you happy 12yrs anniversary in your priesthood. Really, your priestly life has been encouraging from the way I see it. Please, Fr. think also of your family in times of their need at least financial need, if the resources are available. Do not follow the crowd of priests who want to make it by all means that are immoral. Be your single self. I really appreciate you the way you are living your priestly life. Keep it up. At the age of 12 I was already in the seminary and I had known the seminary rules. So now you are 12yrs in priesthood, I presume you know the rules. If I judge rightly your priesthood game, you are already a top striker. Congrats and feel good.

35. Uwakwe Chibuike C to me show details 3:20 PM (4 hours ago) Tuesday 16^th August 2001 HAPPY PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY

HAPPY TWELFTH YEAR PRIESTLY ANNIVESARY: REV. FR. PAUL IKECHUKWU OGUJIOFFOR

Like the Biblical Apostles, Fr Paul was called and chosen by Christ the eternal High Priest to mediate between God and man, to represent Christ faithfully through the ministries of the Word and Sacrament and to offer sacrifices for forgiveness of sins. This ministry, he has faithfully attended to for these twelve years (7th August 1999 to 7th August 2011). It is indeed not a coincidence to have known this rare gem. It is by divine providence that God wants me to be formed by and through him. Like the Apostles, Peter to be precise, he is called to be a fisher of men; hence, his fishing apostolate began immediately after ordination at the St. Peter’s Seminary Okigwe, Nigeria, where he distinguished himself as a formator after the mind of Christ. It is pertinent to mention that he was a perfect imitator of divine Judgment, i.e. judging with mercy and justice. He was generous with mercy and generous with justice. This bought him the nickname “Ogun” which is the Yoruba God of Thunder. His name sounded like thunder to us then. However, as you celebrate your twelfth year priestly anniversary, I wish to recall 12 great things I have learnt from your priestly life these twelve years especially in the minor seminary.

1. PRIESTLY SATISFACTION: Fr Paul is always comfortable and satisfied with his priesthood.

He never wanted more than the priesthood which for him is the greatest gift God has given him on earth. For this reason my highest prayer is for the gift of the priesthood.

2. HOLINESS: Fr Paul’s desire in the priesthood is holiness of life. For him, sanctity of life is the catalyst for a successful priestly ministry. I ask God for this gift always.

3. PRAYER: Each morning in the Minor Seminary before we came out from mass, we would see him on top of the new chapel under construction reciting his rosary and Breviary. His prayer life was a practical example of prayer. I try to make prayer my companion.

4. LITURGY: His genuflection in the chapel was enough for a practical liturgy class and I think I learnt some.

5. SOCIAL LIFE: It is great fun being around him as his social life is entertaining. Fr Paul had many friends but was never enticed by them to neglect their wrong doings. He taught me to make people happy.

6. RESOLUTION TO DIVINE WILL: Fr resolved to Divine Will even when it was suffering and unpleasing. He suffered so many automobile accidents but gladly offered them to God.

7. TEACHING: He delights in teaching. He taught me to teach. He also taught me the need to research. My first research in life was ordered by him (Can an African be a Pope).

8. HUMILITY: Fr Paul is an epitome of humility. This is made manifest in his human relationship. I have always tried never to make people around me uncomfortable because of my state.

9. SACRIFICE: Fr Paul taught me to make authentic sacrifice for ‘a life of sacrifice without Sacrifice is a contradiction’ and for me, the greatest sin a priest can commit is the sin of contradiction, contradicting the life of Christ whom he is representing. I have always done this especially in my apostolic works; others boast of what they gain, I boast of what I sacrifice.

10. SACRAMENTS: He never joked with the sacraments especially the sacrament of reconciliation. That is why once I see a priest my next thought is to confess for the highest gift a priest can give to me is to absolve me after hearing my confession.

11. MATERIALISM: Fr Paul taught me never to delight in material wealth but in spiritual wealth acquired through the practice of virtue. Little wonder as a priest for 8 years in the seminary, he never had a personal television set or Video player. I have learnt to offer up all pleasures for God.

12. LISTENING EARS: Fr Paul taught me to listen more to people’s problem than talk about them. Little wonder I always desired to be a comfort to the afflicted. Fr. Paul, I am glad to have been associated with you for these twelve years.

Uwakwe Chibuike

36. Giuseppe Villa to me Thursday 18^th August 2011 show details 7:49 PM (13 hours ago)

Carissimo don Paul

sono tornato da alcuni giorni di preghiera e ho letto con piacere il tuo messaggio col quale ricordi il tuo dodicesimo anniversario di ordinazione. E' un traguardo importante che ricorda la parola di Gesù nel Vamgelo di Luca.

«Voi siete quelli che avete perseverato con me nelle mie prove e io preparo per voi un regno,come il Padre mio l’ha preparato per me, perché mangiate e beviate alla mia mensa nel mio regno ...

La perseveranza è un dono da chedere e per il quale dedicarsi con tutto l'amore possibile. Il "demonio del mezzogiorno" attenta precisamente a questo. Possiamo però confidare nella parola di Gesù che ha detto:

Simone, Simone, ecco: Satana vi ha cercati per vagliarvi come il grano; ma io ho pregato per te, perché la tua fede non venga meno. E tu, una volta convertito, conferma i tuoi fratelli».

Auguri ancora, carissimo. Ci sentiremo più avanti per il prossimo Natale, se ne hai la possibilità, come hai già fatto il Natale scorso.

Don Giuseppe Villa

SMS

1.    Va bene tanti auguri carissimo. Prega per me. CATIA ATINA Sunday 7^th August 2011-13:15:00.

2.    Today marks your twelfth year as a Catholic priest I wish you more fruitful years ahead in the Lord’s vineyard. SAMPSON ONWUMERE Sunday 7^th August 2011- 14:56:41.

3.    Happy anniversary Fr. NKASI UCHE Sunday 7^th August 2011- 16:17:53.

4.    Happy 12^th anniversary in priesthood Fr. My message will still reach you by mail or facebook soon. We’ve bad service here. Congrats!  IBE MUNACHI K Sunday 7^th August 2011-18:22:07.

5.    My dear mentor, please I’m sorry for not calling yesterday. Since the day we spoke on the 4^th August, I’ve been sick on bed. If not for the assistance of REV UKAHA, I couldn’t have celebrated any Mass yesterday. I’m still on bed. I’ve not even read your mail. Hope you understand. Happy anniversary in arrears.  FR MARK Monday 8^th August 2011-15:15.

6.    Fr, I don’t really know what to say or how to start thanking God!!! 12 solid years, so fast. It’s a thing to be very happy and grateful to God. My prayers are: May the Almighty Father in heaven but with you always to guide, protect, keep, and shower you with abundant blessings. May He never allow anybody who comes to Him through you, seeking for help never be disappointed!! In Jesus’ Amen. Wishing you many more fruitful years in His vineyard, Bye. LADY ALICE UCHE Monday 8^th August 2011-20:20:32.

I used this median to thank all who have contributed in no small measure to my formation in the seminary before my ordination to the priesthood last 12 years. To all I have met even casually within these years in the priesthood everywhere, I thank God for your positive contributions in my life. I know that I do not deserve all you have done or put into writing in this my 12^th anniversary, I only pray God to reward most abundantly and ask Him to make me put into practice all you said and ask for mercy for the many times I have ceased to be priest by my thoughts, words and actions. Our Lady Mother of Priests pray for me.