It was a blessed day for Christ’s faithful who journeyed down to Mary the Queen Catholic Church, Arue Uromi to celebrate with Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Hilary Oseabulu Odenore who marked his 20th priestly ordination anniversary on November 1st, 2023. The Holy Mass started at 11:00 a.m. with the Chief Celebrant Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Hilary Oseabulu Odenore welcoming Priests, Consecrated Persons, and Lay Faithful present. He rejoiced exceedingly because he celebrated his priestly ordination anniversary alongside the Solemnity of all Saints. The Mass continued with the penitential rites and the choir was invited to lead the congregation in glorifying God. With the readings taken and the Gospel proclaimed, the homilist, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Ehimen remarked that the great things the Lord has done in the life of the Chief Celebrant are untellable by word of mouth. The celebrant has every reason to be grateful to God because being alive to witness and celebrate 20 years in the Lord’s Vineyard was no child’s play. He noted that celebrating the priestly ordination anniversary alongside the Solemnity of all Saints was Divine orchestration.
Celebrating the Saints was a reminder to look at those who were once like us on earth but have joined the Church triumphant. They were the people who sought the face of God, they were clean in hands and pure in heart, they set their hearts not no vain things but in the eternal dwelling of light and peace, they lived virtuous lives and did ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Our prayers add nothing great nor reduce who they are before God but their constant intercessory prayers for us the Pilgrims and Militant Church do us a lot of great good. We are perpetually encouraged to seek their intercessions at all times. The homilist reminded the Chief Celebrant on the need of walking with God, keeping His commands, and the indispensability of setting his heart on the things of God that bring true fulfillment. The homilist said something about Rev. Fr. Dr. Hilary Oseabulu Odenore, that he is an epitome of humility and simplicity in his words, appearance, approach, diplomacy, and actions and this has made him approachable, relatable, and accessible to people. The homilist further encouraged him to remain happy and true to Christ who had called him to a life of total self-giving, prayer, holiness, and sacrifice.
The Holy Mass continued as usual. After the prayer of the faithful, offertory, and consecration of the bread and wine, and the reception of the Holy Communion, the Chief Celebrant thanked his Classmate present at the sanctuary Rev. Fr. Dr. Leo Itobore alongside all the priests within and outside the diocese of Uromi who were instrumental in his journey to the Sacred Priesthood of Christ. He thanked the homilist, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Ehimen for breaking the Word of God to everyone and appreciated him for his kindness to him over the years. He thanked all the Consecrated Persons and thanked in a special way his parents and family members who have made his journey to the Sacred Priesthood fulfilling and amazing. He thanked all liturgical functionaries at the Mass. He appreciated all the parishioners in the places, offices, and parishes where he has worked and still working and he prayed that God’s blessing will remain permanent upon everyone. After the final benediction given by the Chief Celebrant, the Mass ended and the reception followed at the Church premises.
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