By Charles Igwe
Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke, has called on newly ordained priests to reject the mindset of having “arrived” following their ordination. Speaking at the 11th Convocation Ceremony of Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha, the Cardinal reminded the convocating priests that ordination is not the end of their journey but the beginning of a new phase in their lifelong mission.
“There is nothing like arrival until we get to heaven,” he cautioned. “Ordination is the end of one phase and the beginning of another. We must keep moving and learning, allowing each stage of life to make us better versions of ourselves.”
Addressing the seminarians and lay faithful, Cardinal Okpaleke reflected on the significance of the Solemnity of the Annunciation, which coincided with the convocation. He described it as a spiritual “Happy New Year,” noting that for centuries, March 25 was observed as the beginning of the new year. This, he said, was in recognition of the Incarnation—the moment when new life dawned with the conception of Jesus Christ in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Encouraging the seminarians to deepen their faith, he posed the question: Who is Jesus Christ for you? He highlighted Christ’s self-emptying nature, His humility, and His unwavering commitment to doing the will of the Father, urging them to follow this example in their formation.
“True fulfillment can only be attained through radical openness to God and service to others,” he emphasized. “Power, authority, influence, and wealth only find true meaning when used for the good of others.” He pointed to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s response—”Ecce Ancilla Domine” (Behold the handmaid of the Lord)—as a perfect model of surrender to God’s will.
In his concluding remarks, Cardinal Okpaleke encouraged all present to keep Christ at the center of their lives. “No one lives for himself,” he reminded them. “We are created to live for God and for others.” He prayed that the blessings of the Annunciation would reach everyone present, guiding them in their spiritual journey.
