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By Sunny A. David, Awka
A Catholic priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, has urged his classmates both those ordained into the priesthood and those who pursued other paths in life to live righteous lives and remain steadfast in seeking the Kingdom of God.
Fr. Udo emphasized that the Kingdom of God is the most important reality in human existence, stressing that righteousness is not exclusive to priestly ordination. According to him, one does not need to be a priest to live a righteous life, as righteousness is expressed through doing good and shunning evil.
He gave the charge during the grand reunion of the All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association (AHOBA), Class of 1983, held at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha.
Reflecting on their shared journey, Fr. Udo recalled that all members of the class began their formation together at the seminary, though only some eventually became priests, while others pursued different vocations and careers.
He described priesthood as a divine calling, noting that it is God who chooses whom to call. “God does not call the qualified; rather, He qualifies those He calls. Those of us who became priests did not do so because we were better than others, but because God chose us. God does not necessarily choose the best in the eyes of men; He chooses whom He wills,” he said.
Fr. Udo added that classmates who did not proceed to priesthood have also found fulfillment and success in other walks of life, stressing that they lost nothing, since priesthood is a vocation instituted by God. He further noted that being ordained or not does not diminish anyone’s value or purpose.
The reunion began with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, also a member of the 1983 set. The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jude Udechukwu, while Dr. Chinedu Ezike read the First and Second Readings.
The event attracted classmates from across Nigeria and Europe, who described the reunion as a rare opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and strengthen bonds formed decades ago at their alma mater.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the Association, Chief Stephen Ifechukwu Okosieme, reaffirmed that priesthood is a vocation instituted by God. He noted that while some classmates were ordained priests, others pursued various careers, and some have passed on.
Chief Okosieme said the most important aspect of life is using one’s gifts to serve and appreciate God, adding that the reunion was mainly an occasion to give thanks for God’s blessings. He disclosed that members of the class are represented in diverse fields, including priesthood, commerce, and industry.
He also described life in the seminary as a miracle, recalling that dismissal was common and often unexpected, while commending those who persevered to become Catholic priests.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Peter Sunday Obinze, expressed gratitude to committee members, including Rev. Fr. Alfred Okakpu, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, Mr. Victor Adibe, and Chief Okosieme. Mr. Obinze, the first Senior Prefect of the 1983 set, said the event met and exceeded expectations.
Also speaking, Mr. Paulinus Ikechukwu Odogwu praised the organizers, describing the reunion as memorable and reflective of the class’s years of struggle and growth. He urged members to support one another and pledged ₦2 million to the association.
Other pledges included a shuttle bus donated by Ikenna Okeke; a commitment by Mr. James Okpudo to host the 2027 reunion; ₦50,000 from Mr. Lawrence Chukwuka; educational support offered by Mr. Benji Nwankwo for wards seeking admission into Shanahan University; and 25 bags of rice pledged by Rev. Fr. Luke Ibe to All Hallows Seminary.
In his remarks, the Rector of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Pascal Okonkwo, assured members that the seminary is making steady progress. He expressed appreciation that Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, their classmate, is currently in residence, describing him as a valuable asset to the institution.
The event also featured the presentation of gifts to priests and other members, while eating, drinking, convivial exchanges, and light-hearted banter marked the high point of the reunion.
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