EPISTLE ON MY 3RD PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY

Dearest friends in Christ, 

Verse 1. It is with utmost joy, happiness and gratitude to God almighty whom we live, move and have our beings that I send this warm greeting to you all.

Unworthy as I am, I was privileged to be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood for mission on this day, three years ago (Saturday, August 4, 2018). With my ministry motto “You too go into the vineyard…” (Matthew 20:4) which my souvenir carries, I count myself as the least among the many He called to serve in His vineyard. He (God) as St. Paul – the apostle of the Gentiles will say:

 “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” (I Corinthians 1:27-29). On this note, I testify to God’s amazing Grace which is sufficient to me the “unworthy servant.”

Verse 2. Today, being the 4th day in the 8th month in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ – 2021, I join the rest of my brothers to celebrate one thousand and ninety-five days and nights (3years of God’s abundance favour) as a Catholic Priest – a Leather anniversary.

Verse 3. The number “THREE” is so significant that the Holy Scripture pays greater attention to it both in the Old and New Testaments. Three is a number of harmony, of God’s presence and completeness. Most significant events in the Bible were accompanied either by number “3” or “7”. It is connected to the Holy Trinity, to the three Patriarchs before the flood – Abel, Enoch and Noah, and three Patriarchs after the flood – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Christian or New Testament has a total of 27 books, which by calculation is the multiplication of number 3 into 3 places (3 x 3x 3), and this number is largely connected to the Eternal High Priest – Jesus Christ.

Verse 4. In the course of the Transfiguration event, three personalities had the experience: Peter, James and John. Christ prayed three times before his arrest, he was put on the cross at the third hour of the day, and breathed last at the ninth hour which when converted is 3:00pm. God’s real essence is described in three forms: The Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence. While the Book of Revelation further described Him in a triple phrase construction as “Which is, and which was and which is to come” (cf. Revelation 1:4). This Trinitarian figure, gives power to actions, harmonizes it and makes it complete.

Verse 5. However, these three years journey of faith has been full of joy as well as pains. Amidst all these, God has been faithful. His love upon me goes beyond calculation. 

I can testify without reservation that within these years I have enjoyed the goodness of the Lord. No matter the ugly events that punctuated the joyful moments, I still give Him the glory.

Verse 6. Having seen myself standing in the awesome glory of His majesty day and night, kindly invoke with me,

 I pray you the mercy of God almighty, that He who has been pleased to number me, though unworthy, among the few and chosen to serve in the capacity of a “wounded healer” that I may serve without charge and count nothing as a loss, and to behold the vision of awaiting glory from the Great Master at last.

PRAYER ON MY 3RD PRIESTLY ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY

Eternal Word, I thank you for the gift of the sacred priesthood. I count myself unworthy to behold this great honour which even Angels are not privileged to enjoy. I bless your name for the gift of life and good health I have enjoyed all these years, the beautiful things that falls on my path, ugly events that break my heart and the greater things in wait for me. I desire no other name, glory or fame than that of a humble priest and your prophet with the mandate to lead your children to the Truth in sincerity of heart. May You O! Lord speak, teach and heal through me. May the divine fragrance go with me wherever I go. Do not deny the grace of a dignified priest, O! Lord I pray. Bless my priestly ministry with docility of heart adorned with Your Word, and sustain it with your directive.

Bless my Congregation for given me the identity and platform to be your servant, to my formators grant them their humble heart desires, those who assisted me in one way or the other to answer this call may my daily offering to you serves as the source of their support. To my family, friends and well-wishers, I pray upon them your blessings, and all your children may they enjoy the serenity of your presence. Keep in mind your daughter – Mrs. MaryHelen Sam (my mum) whom it pleases You to call her back Yourself, grant her and all the faithful departed peaceful repose in your abode. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!

I remain your priest,

REV. FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

(August 4, Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney – Patron of the arish Priest)