Rev. Fr. Dr. Obiunu gave this assertion in a homily he delivered on Saturday, May 26, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri during the silver jubilee priestly anniversary celebration of Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Ozele and Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Akpoghiran organised by the Diocese in their honour.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Obiunu stated that it is the grace of God that has seen them thus far in the priestly vocation and thanked God for using the two priests mightily, though two different persons but serving God in different ways with the variety of their gifts.
Recounting their contributions to the service of God, humanity, salvation of souls and the administration of Church in the past 25 years, Rev. Fr. Dr. Obiunu noted that, while God is using Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Ozele whom he described as a very charismatic priest to minister His word all over the world, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Akpoghiran has also studied and written several books of authority in both Theology, Canon Law and Church administration used both in the seminaries and dioceses all over the world.
He described the two priests as rare gifts to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, the universal Church and her faithful.
Admonishing the celebrants, Rev. Fr. Dr. Obiunu said jubilee marks a milestone in the life of everyone, as a result he said; it calls for self examination, reflection and being grateful to God in happy or difficult moments. It is a moment to recount God’s blessings and re-examine our human weaknesses and failures, asserting that 25 years in the Catholic priesthood is enough to show gratitude to God and deep reflection over their life.
He further enjoined the celebrants not to look onto their great achievements so far but look unto God alone who has brought them this far. “Looking onto your successes, achievements and fame could make you derail”, he stated. He congratulated them and call on faithful to always remember them and all their priests in prayer even as they support them with their good will.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Obiunu also commended the Bishop, Most Rev. John Oke’Oghene Afareha for his fatherly love and cares for the entire presbytery of Warri Diocese and pray God to continue to bless his episcopacy and the Diocese.
The thanksgiving Jubilee Mass for Very Rev. Frs. Anthony Ozele and Peter Akpoghiran attracted a large turn out of Catholic faithful from within and outside the Diocese of Warri and was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Oke’Oghene Afareha with large number of priests from Warri Diocese concelebrating with him.
In a congratulatory message, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo said the celebrants whom he called elder brothers are icon’s of the Catholic priesthood.
Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Ozele and Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Akpoghiran were both ordained in December 12, 1992 and both have also served the Diocese in various capacities before travelling for further studies abroad. Presently, Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Mario Ozele is the Chairman of the New Evangelization Commission in the Diocese of Warri and also the parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Okpare-Olomu. He has taken the gospel of Christ to different parts of America, Europe, Asian Countries, the Carribean Island. He also organises seminars, retreats and functions as guest speaker in International Conferences.
While Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Akpoghiran is the Judicial Vicar and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Nee Orleans, Illinois, USA.
A reception was held in their honour after the thanksgiving Mass where the Bishop wished them a prosperous silver jubilee anniversary.
A special thanksgiving was offered by the two celebrants joined by their family members, friends and well wishers amid cheers and jubilation.
