Via Christi Priests Celebrate Third Anniversary
Cross section of some Via Christi Priests at their 3rd anniversary
The 22nd day of July remains memorable for Rev. Fr.Boniface Ahura VC and his classmates as they celebrate their third anniversary as priests. The thanksgiving mass which took place at St. Patrick’s Quasi Parish Agbaikyor endured a huge turn up of parishioners, friends and well wishers.
In a homily Rev Fr. Shima Ukpanya VC, Superior General Via Christi for Makurdi/Otukpo Missions appreciated God for the grace bestowed upon the priest to serve in his vineyard. He said “one of the best ways to thank God is to be more committed and dedicated to the service of God and humanity; putting others before oneself.” He further called on all via Christi priests to continue doing their best, where they have been called to serve. To the parishioners of the host parish he said “people of St Patrick be dedicated to the things of God and always support your priest materially as much as through prayers so that there will be peace and harmony.”
Rev. Fr. Vealumun Paul Ansbert Mom VC, Counsellor for Formation and Education/Principal St. Dominic’s High School Tse Ayu, congratulated the celebrants on being available for God’s service without looking back. In his words: “The vision of the Via Christi Congregation as learnt from the Founder Rev. Fr. Angus Fraser (blessed memory) should be held in high esteem through humility, simplicity, commitment and availability as these are the only virtues that will enhance your service to humanity.”
Mrs. Anastasia Iorkyaa, CWO President of the host parish expressed joy over the good turn up of parishioners. She said “Fr Boniface has been of good help to us in this parish. He built all the structures that are on ground here and has done a lot for us so, as he and his mates celebrate today, I pray that God will guide, strengthen and give them long life to preach.”
Ichur Joseph on behalf of the parish CMO appreciated God for the gift of life and seeks continuity and sustenance on the life of the celebrants while advising them to be dedicated to their work as priests.
Dr. Damian Tersoo Anyam of Benue State University Makurdi acknowledged the celebrants’ effort towards church development, most especially the chief host Boniface Ahura who has been his student since his undergraduate days. He said “on my part I will always support them in order to do what they are called to do. But, they should always take their vows seriously and avoid side attractions by being prayerful.”
On his part, Rev. Fr. Boniface Ahura VC the chief host expressed appreciation to God for mercy, protection, gift of priesthood and life generally. He also appreciated his well-wishers as well as classmates and parishioners for celebrating them on their happy day. He said “I am so happy today makes it 3 years for me in the journey of priesthood. I am also honoured to host a lot of people, God’s blessings and grace has been sufficient. However, as I mark three years today, I anticipate and pray for more blessings from God to continue shepherding his flock.”
To his co celebrants, Fr. Ahura said, “I advise them to remain focused and keep up the good work, God will not disappoint them. For my parishioners I promise not to disappoint them only if they will remain faithful and committed to the faith.”
Rev.Fr. Gbor VC on behalf of the celebrants appreciated all who came out to support and celebrate them stating that, “the 2017 Set is quite special, we were selected randomly from different classes of the seminary ranging from 2004-2011 to form the 2017 Set. We remain grateful to the Via Christi Congregation and God for this opportunity. On our part we promise to support the church and keep focus.”
Via Christi Set 2017 are in different Dioceses; Rev. Frs. Boniface Ahura, Thaddeaus Gbor, Simon Akpenpuun, Moses Iorshamber, Nuel Nenda from Makurdi Diocese, Tseave Innocent- Katsina Ala Diocese, Onoja Emmanuel – Otukpo Diocese, Idoko Stephen- Lafia Diocese, Joseph Awuhe- Cywa Port Harcourt and Ameh Samuel-New Mexico USA.
