The position and status of assistant parish priest in the Catholic Church has been described as a time to acquire more and special knowledge, which can only be achieved through hard work, diligence and obedience.

This view was submitted as part of a homily delivered by Rev. Fr. John-Francis Adile (Cmf), an indigenous priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Obibiezena, Owerri North LGA, during a Eucharistic celebration organized by Obibiezena Catholic faithful for the send-off ceremony of Rev. Fr. Fauster Echetama who has completed his official pastoral duties in the parish as Assistant Parish Priest, Saturday, February 15, 2014.

Fr. Adile described the outgoing priest as a wise steward whose sense of discipline and maturity manifested chiefly in the manner he discharged his pastoral assignments for two and half years under a fellow priest.

He observed that the response and turnout of the parishioners at the event bear eloquent testimony to the service Fr. Fauster rendered.  He asked him to consider himself a lucky priest having worked under a parish priest who availed him with the serene environment at which he discharged his pastoral duties without hitches.

The Claretian priest urged Fr. Fauster to uphold whatever knowledge he acquired during his time of curateship, stressing that knowledge gained within these period would fortify him for greater challenges ahead.

At the reception ceremony, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Edmund Njoku, thanked the Archbishop for giving him the opportunity to serve the people with a humble and wise assistant, saying that if it were possible he would have asked Fr. Fauster to stay more.  He however prayed God to grant him the grace to extend the virtues to his next place of assignment.

Speaking on behalf of the entire parishioners, Mr. Patrick Okoroafor, Chairman Parish Pastoral Council, described the event as the first of its kind since the elevation of St. Mary’s Church to parish status.  He noted that the resolve of the parish council to organize such elaborate event for a curate was not unconnected to Fr. Fauster’s humble disposition to pastoral duties.  He added that his sense of duty and collaborative efforts has helped the parish priest ease some pastoral challenges in the parish.

In his response, Fr. Fauster commended the open-mindedness of the parish priest and the enthusiasm of the parishioners.  He thanked them for their kind gestures and prayed God to reward them as they continued to co-operate with their priests for the spiritual and moral growth of the entire community.

Highlight of the event which featured cultural dance by the CWO and calisthenics by Mary League Girls was a toast of long life and abundant graces conducted by the parish priest.

It would be recalled that Fr. Fauster Echetama was among Owerri Archdiocesan priests who were affected by this year’s transfer.  He was posted to serve as Assistant Parish Priest at Stella Maris Parish Orodo.

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