It was a special day to remember in November as Christ’s faithful congregated at the Chapel of Lumen Christi International High School, Arue Uromi to join the Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Dr. Theophilus Itaman in thanksgiving on the occasion of his 25th priestly ordination anniversary. The celebrant appreciated God for the gift of life, parents, family, and friends who have been part of his life in the past years and ultimately he thanked God for the gift of the priesthood. The homilist, Rev. Fr. Peter remarked that we gathered to celebrate the reward for excellence and the reward for hard work. He was particularly grateful to God for the life of the celebrant who despite the series of delay made it to the altar in 1998. He stated that a priest is a mediator, an intermediary between God and humans, and looking at the life of the celebrant he has been a testament to that reality. The homilist maintained that the celebrant had helped a lot of persons without any whiff of expectation. He has carefully imitated Christ, His Caller by his selfless way of life in ministering to all and sundry without any iota of discrimination and favouritism. Owing to the enormity of the priestly tasks, the homilist beckoned on all to always encourage, pray, support, and make sacrifices for their priests because they in turn make a lot of sacrifices for God’s people. He acknowledged the fact that Rev. Fr. Dr. Theophilus Itaman is an accomplished priest in no small measure. He has great academic repute as a person and in administration. His pursuit for excellence is second to none, he is a pastor with zero tolerance for people with a lack of pastoral zeal, and he is an accommodating priest. He is a priest burning with administrative and leadership passions for the best or nothing in life. By way of admonition and encouragement, he asked the celebrant to be cheerful always yet never to be carried away by the present achievements but present them to God. On behalf of the priests, religious, and lay faithful of Uromi Diocese His Lordship, the Most Rev. Dr. Donatus appreciated all the priests who celebrated their silver Jubilees while not forgetting to thank in particular the celebrant, Rev. Fr. Dr. Theophilus Itaman for his faithful service in the Church and school apostolates for the past 25 years. He remarked that a priest helps people to become the full nature of Jesus Christ in the mission of life. He thanked all priests who carry out such duty at all times. The celebrant at the Mass Rev. Fr. Dr. Theophilus Itaman thanked the Arch-Bishop Emeritus of Benin City Arch-Diocese the Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, the Arch-Bishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin, the Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, and the Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun who entrusted many tasks to him because they believed in him and for giving him the required atmosphere to discharge his duties for the glorification of God, the edification of mankind and for the salvation of souls. He equally thanked the priests, religious, family members, friends, and the students and staff of Lumen Christi International High School for their love and support. He prayed that God’s faithfulness would continue to endure in his life. His Lordship, the Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Ogun gave the final benediction and the Mass came to a close.
Nov
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