By Our Correspondent

In an effort to correct the impression in some quarters that ordained priests are better off than non priests, a Catholic priest of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, at weekend declared that such an impression was wrong noting that priesthood is a call to vacation.

According to the clergyman,the most important thing is to live a righteous life to make heaven irrespective of one’s position in the society pointing out that
righteousness and service to God are not exclusive to priesthood.

Addressing his classmates during a grand reunion of the Old Boys Association of All Hallows Seminary School, Onitsha,1983 set, he disclosed that living a good life and avoiding evil are the true measures of faith.

“The Kingdom of God is the most essential pursuit in human existence. God’s call to priesthood is a vocation and not a reward for personal merit.

“God does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls. Those of us who became priests are not better than others. God simply chose us,” he maintained.

Fr. Udo recalled that all members of the set began their journey together at the seminary with the hope of becoming priests, but while some were ordained, others found fulfilment in different walks of life.

He emphasised that those who were not ordained lost nothing, as priesthood is a divine call, revealing that scores of the Old Boys have excelled in other endeavours.

The reunion was preceded by a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, a member of the 1983 set even as the homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jude Udechukwu, while Dr. Chinedu Ezike read the first and second lessons.

The event brought together classmates from across Nigeria and Europe, who described the reunion as a rare opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and strengthen bonds forged decades ago within the walls of their alma mater.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the Chairman of the Association, Chief Stephen Ifechukwu Okosieme, corraborated the position of Fr. Udo that priesthood is a vocation instituted by God, explaining that while some classmates were ordained priests, others pursued different careers, while some had passed away.

He said the essence of life is using one’s gifts to serve God and humanity, adding that the reunion was primarily a thanksgiving to God.

Chief Okosieme, who disclosed that he has served the association for eight years, noted that members of the set have excelled in diverse fields, including priesthood, trade and industry.

He described seminary life as a miracle, praising those who persevered to become priests, while recalling the rigours of formation that saw many students dismissed along the way.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Peter Sunday Obinze, expressed gratitude to members of the organising team, including Rev. Fr. Alfred Okakpu, Rev. Fr. Patrick Udo, Mr. Victor Adibe and Chief Okosieme.

Mr. Obinze, who was the first Senior Prefect of the 1983 set, said he was satisfied with the success of the reunion.

A member of the association, Mr. Paulinus Ikechukwu Odogwu, commended the organisers and described the event as a memorable occasion to relive years of shared struggles. He urged members to support one another and pledged ₦2 million to the association.

Other pledges included a shuttle bus by Mr. Ikenna Okeke; hosting of the 2027 reunion by Mr. James Okpudo; ₦50,000 by Mr. Lawrence Chukwuka; educational support at Shanahan University by Mr. Benji Nwankwo; and a donation of 25 bags of rice to the seminary by Rev. Fr. Luke Ibe.

In his remarks, the Rector of All Hallows Seminary, Rev. Fr. Pascal Okonkwo, assured the old boys that the institution is progressing well. He described Rev. Fr. Justine Ileka, who is currently in residence at the seminary, as a great asset.

The event featured the presentation of gifts to Priests and members of the association while eating, drinking, jokes and convivial interactions marked the high point of the celebration.

By Our Correspondent

Apparently disturbed by the recent action of one of its members at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral dedication Nnewi, Anambra State on Wednesday, the Knight of St John International has apologized to the Catholic Church over the outburst of Sir James Louis Okoye at the event.

Okoye who removed his Knight hat with shoes in hand decried a situation where recognition was not accorded late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah for the role he played in the Cathedral building up to 80%.

In a viral video making the rounds on social media, the Knight was seen walking out of the church premises with his shoes handy and saying, akachalam!, meaning, I won’t worship again. I’m done with Christianity, This is my last day of being a Christian, this is not right, Ifeanyi Uba Ndo ooo. Ìfeanyi Ubah ndoo, ( English interpretation, Ifeany Ubah, sorry oo ) Ifeanyi Ubah is not resting in peace.

He contended that the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who represented Anambra South Senatorial Zone had constructed the cathedral up to 85 percent, but his name was not mentioned nor honoured.

This has sparked lots of arguments online and offline, as some people condemned his hasty action, while others believed he was right, condemning the church action.

Meanwhile, the Knight of St John International in a statement by its Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria, Sir Joachim Chuks Amamgbo condemned the action.

The statement dated January 15, 2026, with the caption disclaimer said that it is already looking into the matter, but however apologized to the church and it’s leaders.

The statement read: “The attention of the Knights of St John International, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria has been drawn to the very unfortunate incident that occurred in Nnewi Diocese during the solemn dedication of the Cathedral on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 involving one Mr. James Okoye.

“The individual’s actions are clearly not in line with the values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church nor those of the Knights of St John International for whom filial respect for the church and her clergy is sacrosanct.

“We totally condemn this very unusual behaviour and assure the church that the leadership of the Order in Nigeria Is presently addressing the incident in the most serious of manners, and in line with the disciplinary provisions of our Constitution.

“We apologize to our spiritual fathers and the church for the obvious embarrassment and do hereby reaffirm our commitment to upholding the ideals of service, spirituality, discipline, charity, honour, and respect for which our Order Is known.”

A knight of the Catholic Church, Sir James Louise also known as Ebube Anaedo on Wednesday renounced christianity following refusal by the Catholic church to acknowledge efforts made by late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in building Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The edifice was first kicked off by Ubah, who volunteered to build the cathedral on sole sponsorship for the church, and had worked on the project to over 85 percent completion, before a new Bishop, Dr Jonas-Benson Okoye was posted to Nnewi in 2022.

Okoye on taking over the mantle of leadership ordered Ubah to hands off the cathedral.

Information has it that the order had caused an issue between the Bishop and the Senator, as many insisted that the glory of the construction of the cathedral should not go to other people after he had invested too much money into the project.

However, during the inauguration of the cathedral on Wednesday which was graced by the high and mighty, the Catholic Knight, James Louise protested, saying it was unfair that not even in the brochure or orally was Ifeanyi Ubah acknowledged as a contributor, despite his over 85% input to the construction of the edifice.

In a video circulating online, Louise broke down and cried after mass, lamenting that despite the efforts of the late Senator, his name was not mentioned as one of those who contributed.

The distressed Catholic Knight who removed his shoes and cap that constitute his knighthood costumes said: “This is my last day as a Christian. I’m done. This is awful.

“How could anyone believe that this cathedral which Ifeanyi Ubah slaved to build could be inaugurated without a mention of his name. This is bad, I’m done with Christianity. This is my last day as a Christian.”

The video has sparked outrage on social media with many commentators condemning the actions of the Catholic Church.

The Nnewi Catholic Diocese was yet to react to the development at the time of filing this report