By Michael Nnebife and Chinonso Samson
It was a moment of celebration like no other, for Rev Fr Dr Cosmas Maduakonam Ekwutosi, his relations, associates, friends and well-wishers, as they joined him to celebrate his 40th Priestly Anniversary.
The event, which took place at St John’s Parish, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Sunday, 1st December, 2024, was graced by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, represented by the Dean, Agulu Deanery, Rev Fr Hyacinth Anaekee; Catholic priests and religious, too numerous to be counted; parishioners; as well as staff members of the establishments the celebrant had served, among others.
In his homily during a Pontifical Holy Mass heralding the epoch-making event, Rev Fr Dr Aloysius Ezeanolue of St Mary’s Parish, Awgbu, described Rev Fr Ekwutosi as a hardworking, humble and caring priest.
He further described Fr Ekwutosi as a moralist and astute administrator who did not compromise on his faith in God and Catholic doctrine.
Speaking with Fides, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Nsofor, said, ‘Fr Ekwutosi is so good and dedicated. He believes and lives out what he professes.’
Also, Rev Fr Evaristus Ibenegbu, who chaired the Organizing Committee of the event, described Fr Ekwutosi as a role model to many.
‘He is a very wonderful, faithful priest; he is somebody you can learn a lot from. He is a personality who leads by example,’ Fr Ibenegbu said.
To Awka Zonal Education Secretary, Diocese of Awka, Rev Fr Dr Angelo Obiako, who read the citation of the celebrant, ‘Fr Cosmas is a very prayerful priest, as well as hardworking leader.
‘He is a gentle and fulfilled happy priest who cherishes his priestly vocation.
‘Fr Cosmas remains an honest man, a man with good conscience and well-ordered life.’
According to him, Fr Ekwutosi, who was ordained in 1984 alongside the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Ezeokafor, by the late Archbishop Albert Obiefuna, began his priestly vocation at Holy Name Parish, Umuchu, and had served in many parishes as a Parish Priest, as well as at Pope John Paul Major Seminary, Okpuno, where he served as a Vice Rector, among others.
Speaking with Fides, Fr Ekwutosi expressed happiness being in the priesthood.
‘There is never a time I regret being a priest, but I’m always optimistic,’ Fr Ekwutosi said, and identified cooperation with people as a challenge.
‘Sometimes, you see people trying to drag you the other way round. But in all things, I remain resolute, making effort to do the right thing,’ the cleric said.
He thanked God for not only choosing him to be a priest but also giving him the grace to attain 40 years, and counting, in the vocation.
Fr Ekwutosi, who noted that joy shared was joy multiplied, also thanked his guests, the organizing committee, and all who were part of the event, for sharing in his joy.
Cultural dances by students of Nursing Sciences Adazi-Nnukwu; Catholic Youths’ Organization of Nigeria; St John’s, Agulu, among others, added glamour to the event, making it a carnival of sorts.
