Priesthood or Not, Seek God’s Kingdom — AHOBA ’83 Told

By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha

A Catholic priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, has advised his classmates both those ordained as priests and those who were not ,to live righteous lives and remain focused on the pursuit of God’s Kingdom.
Fr. Udo stressed that the Kingdom of God is the most essential reality in human existence, noting that righteousness is not limited to priestly ordination. According to him, one does not need to be a priest to live a righteous life; rather, righteousness is demonstrated by doing good and avoiding evil.
The priest gave the advice during the grand reunion celebration of the All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association (AHOBA), Class of 1983, held at the premises of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha.
He recalled that all members of the class began their journey toward priesthood together at the seminary, but while some were ordained priests, others eventually pursued different life endeavours.
According to Fr. Udo, priesthood is a vocation and a divine 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.
He added that those who did not proceed to priesthood have also found fulfillment and success in other walks of life, stressing that they have lost nothing since priesthood is a vocation instituted by God.
Fr. Udo, who was also a member of the planning committee, emphasized that being ordained or not does not diminish one’s value or purpose in life.
The reunion commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, also a member of the AHOBA 1983 set. The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jude Udechukwu, while Dr. Chinedu Ezike read the First and Second Readings.
The event brought together former classmates from across Nigeria and Europe, who described the reunion as a rare opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and strengthen the bonds forged decades ago within the walls of 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 different careers, and some have since passed on.
He emphasized that the most important aspect of life is using one’s gifts to serve and appreciate God, adding that the reunion was primarily an occasion to thank God for His blessings.
Chief Okosieme, who has served the association for eight years, stated that God has blessed members of the class, noting that they are represented in various fields including priesthood, commerce, and industry.
He further described life in the seminary as a miracle in itself, praising those who persevered to become Catholic priests. He recalled that dismissal from the seminary was common and often unexpected.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Peter Sunday Obinze, expressed gratitude to members of his team, including Rev. Fr. Alfred Okakpu, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, Mr. Victor Adibe, and the Association’s Chairman, Chief Stephen Okosieme.
Mr. Obinze, who was the first Senior Prefect of the 1983 set, said he was impressed with the success of the event, noting that it met their expectations.
Similarly, a member of the association, Mr. Paulinus Ikechukwu Odogwu, commended the organizers, describing the reunion as a memorable occasion that allowed classmates to reflect on their years of struggle and growth.
He urged members to support one another whenever the need arises rather than engage in actions that could undermine the association. He also pledged the sum of ₦2 million in support of the association.
Other pledges included a shuttle bus donated by Ikenna Okeke; Mr. James Okpudo, who pledged to host the 2027 reunion; Mr. Lawrence Chukwuka, who donated ₦50,000; Mr. Benji Nwankwo, who offered assistance to anyone wishing to enroll a ward at Shanahan University; and Rev. Fr. Luke Ibe, who pledged 25 bags of rice to All Hallows Seminary.
In his remarks, the Rector of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, Rev. Fr. Pascal Okonkwo, assured the association that the seminary is making steady progress. He expressed gratitude that one of their classmates, Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, is currently in residence at the seminary.
He described Fr. Ileka as a valuable asset to the institution and assured the association that they would be informed of any challenges facing the seminary.
The event also featured the presentation of gifts to the priests and other members of the association.
Eating, drinking, convivial interactions, and light-hearted jokes formed the high point of the reunion celebration.