The Making Of A Priest: Bishop Lucius Ugorji Ordains Rev. Chimaobi Uzoma Mbawike

By Bright Okereke

“Then, the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister to Him and to bless in the name of the LORD; by their word every controversy and every assault shall be settled.” …..Deut. 21:5.

All priests, who are configured to Jesus Christ, are called to continue selflessness and sacrificial love in their lives and the congregation or ministries in their watch for God.

God, in accordance with the scripture, has chosen the Priests to minister and to bless people in the name of the Lord, and by their words, the world will have peace and, enjoy God’s love.

Reverend Chimaobi Uzoma Mbawike, is in the image and likeness of God, He (God) is delighted in Chimaobi that He called him as a Priest, to this generation. I am, so sure, he shall live up to his calling.

Though, the making of a Priest, is the Lord’s doing, whole and entire. Yet, it may have been the earnest desire of Chief Sir Godwin and Hon Lady Joy Mbawike, to produce a Priest, from their household, given their respect for God’s word and their indomitable commitment to God’s project; and the Lord, so, blessed their heart desire.

Certainly, God, may have decided this amazing blessing upon this household of God, probably, for their courage, doggedness, kindness and support to the needy and the vulnerable within their clime.
Having, known this family closely, for a pretty long time, I can attest to the claims of their thirst and hunger for the ‘things of God’.

The Reverend Chimaobi Uzoma Mbawuike, is a scion of Sir and Lady Godwin Mbawuike, of Umuohiri Nneatoweafor Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
Frankly, he was divinely handpicked from the infant amongst a myriad of souls, moulded and nurtured for this special anointing, by God Himself.

Though, the journey, to this point has both been tasking and extremely demanding, but our God has been real and true to His purpose on gentle Chimaobi.

Gloriously, his priestly ordination, will be ecclesiastically performed by HIS LORDSHIP, BISHOP LUCIUS UGORJI, at MATER DEL CATHEDRAL, UMUAHIA. Abia State, on Saturday, 24th July, 2021, and his first Holy Mass, on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Osuachara by 9:00am.
And, thereafter, he becomes an accomplished Institution of God and a Reverend Father, to his generation for succour.

Hon Lady Joy Mbawike, a former Imo House Member, former Commissioner in the State and a and Special Adviser, to the incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma, of Imo State; is the gracious, blessed and lucky mother of the incoming new Priest.
Like, MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS, Hon Lady Joy, has been a boundaryless mother with a difference. She has maintained, a definitive support and love, for very many vulnerable families and poor households, especially through, her LADY JOY MBAWIKE FOUNDATION.

She is a woman of an uncommon feat, who is distinguished with integrity, in many ways and forms. In both, her Private ane Public life, she has been humanitarian and people-centred.

She is an unconquerorable Gender crusader and advocate with an amazing record of success.

To the incoming new priest, It is our prayer that God in His mercy, shall grant you, the grace, to fulfill the priestly demands of your calling, centred on salvation and sanctification of souls, committed into your care.

I am very hopeful that, Rev Chimaobi Uzoma Mbawike, shall be a true man of God and a deserving son of ‘Mother Mary’; having been humbled and awed by the Lord’s personal choice of him, for this great assignment of Priesthood to this generation of Christians.
His Priestly voyage shall be eucharistic, bonding with God, for power and renewal of spiritual strenght through Christ.

God has indeed, been good and gracious unto him, especially during the trial period of his priestly training and formation; to this end, we give all the glory and honour to God, alone.

I, therefore admire and salute your focused courage which manures your faith. And to God; the people sing ‘Hossana in the highest’.

Bright C. J. Okereke, is a Media/Communication Consultant, and writes from Owerri. E-mail: brightjames88@yahoo.com