by JohnPaul Obiaeri
I CAN WRITE a book on my vocation journey so far, but permit me to share the concise version with you.
I was six when my Dad passed away. All I could recall about him was his caring nature. I was born in the city, but moved down to the village to stay with my grandfather, who was the Chief Priest of Onyeukwu – our village deity. I was his favorite grandson. Mom saw him as a pagan who needed to be converted. For me, he was the best grandfather ever and he influenced me a lot. When he died after my ninth birthday, my mother whisked me back to town to live with my siblings. The following year, I enrolled in St. Charles College, a famous Catholic secondary school in Onitsha, Nigeria.
I was asked to join the family business after secondary school, but I refused. Instead, I proceeded to All Hallows Minor Seminary in Onitsha, where I received my Latin Diploma and was subsequently promoted to do my philosophical studies at Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, Enugu. There I was introduced to reflection on the Scriptures and contemplative prayer. I became a member of the Legion of Mary, and we undertook an evangelization program every Sunday called Sunday Search for Souls. We were given permission by seminary faculty to preach to the people and visit the sick, comforting them, offering whatever material aid we could. This apostolate exposed me to the sufferings of people. It brought back memories of when, as a young boy, I would sling my grandfather’s medicine bag over my back and watch as he tended to the sick.
In early 2008, I felt unsure about my call to the priesthood. I left the seminary in order to have a different view of the world, to see if God is really calling me to the vocation of priesthood.
Consequently, I transferred to Imo State University in Owerri, Nigeria, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in philosophy. But a few weeks into my withdrawal from the seminary, I knew I had left my calling. I felt an empty space in my heart. I knew something was not right.
My plan to come to the United States to study at Fordham University was part of my effort to fill this empty space. The need for fulfillment, to attain unconditional joy was my driving force. Yet, the need for radical fulfillment engulfed my heart, and I told my family of my readiness to step into the “unknown,” a journey onto an alien soil. It meant being out of touch with my family, going into an unfamiliar terrain, a strange culture and different people. It was a total resignation to the will of God.
My transition to Fordham was interesting, but the lacuna remained. The burning desire was still alive. My meetings with the pastor of St. Jude, Canarsie, changed everything. He encouraged me to apply to be a seminarian of the diocese. I was so happy to learn that I could be taken in and trained as a Catholic priest, to work and live with the wonderful people of the diocese. I called then-vocation director, Father James Rodriguez, to start the process. I was subsequently accepted and moved into St. Pope John Paul II House of Discernment. After a short stay, I was accepted into St. Joseph Seminary, Dunwoodie.
So far, it has been a miracle and a dream come true. My experience at the House of Discernment was tremendous. It set the tone for a proper understanding of the pastoral demands of the diocese. The meetings, retreats and gatherings for religious activities were all very helpful. The director of the house, then-Father James King, was a spiritual leader, and the vocation assistant, Lisa Amore, was a huge help to me. Their support and encouragement were invaluable. The staff was my family away from my family.
My meetings with Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and his auxiliaries, and their humility, has been a source of reflection for me. They are caring and represent Christ, who called them to His vineyard. I’m so happy to be here in the Brooklyn Diocese.
With the grace of God, I took a bold step, and I encourage anyone who has a similar calling to make the move. Just say “yes” and God will perfect everything.
Obiaeri is studying at St. Joseph Seminary, Yonkers, and anticipates priestly ordination in June, 2019.