By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu and Vivian Ononiwu
Saint Felix Catholic Church, Nise, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was a beehive of activities on Sunday, 21 April 2024, as the pioneer priest of the community, Very Rev. Monsignor Dr Simon Uchenna Amateze, celebrated his 50th Priestly Ordination Anniversary (20th April 1974-21st April 2024).
The event preceded by a Concelebrated Eucharistic Celebration, had over 100 priests, religious and other dignitaries, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa; the former Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, Professor Fidelis Okafor; and former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education, Dr Lady Obiano in attendance.
Delivering a homily, Rev. Fr. Professor Eugene Anowai paid a glowing tribute to the celebrant, describing him as a very humble, neat, focused and intelligent servant of God, saying that his ordination in 1974 was the catalyst that triggered the influx of ordinations in Nise Community, adding that his ordination as the first indigenous priest of Nise extraction was widely celebrated by the locals.
Professor Anowai noted that upon ordination, he (Msgr) Amateze, was gifted with a brand new Toyota car when those with motorcycles in Nise Community were not up to 30. He explained that the car gift showed truly how his ordination was celebrated and perceived by every indigene of Nise, even as he applauded them for showing enormous love, support and affection to Msgr Amataeze and others behind him.
‘Immediately after his ordination in 1974, he went about in the car and humbly started his priestly duty without fear or favour. He remains a good sight to behold till date. Seeing him then, you will long to be like him. He was very neat and always in his sparkling white. Bold, handsome and courageous.
He loves God and our Mother Mary. If Nise Community had 20 Amatezes, it would have been a more prosperous and organized town in Nigeria. He is loved and appreciated in all the places he worked. He went to Rome to further his education and got First Class Honours in Masters (Summa Cum Laude). He also got Summa Cum Laude in his Doctorate Degree.
Rev Fr. Professor Anowai who explained the revered position of the Virgin Mary in the life of the Church, said that Islam, despite their indifference and lack of regard for womanhood, accorded Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, a very prominent place in the Quran, saying that even Anglicans devoted more hymns to her in their Ancient and Modern Book than the Catholic faithful. He enjoined all to keep honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In his congratulatory message, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, described Msgr. Amateze as a priest, formator and educationist, saying that he had served the Word and drawn strength with which to feed God’s people.
‘With gratitude to God, I write on behalf of the priests, the consecrated persons and the lay faithful of our diocese, the Catholic Diocese of Awka, to felicitate with you on the celebration of the 50 years of your priestly ordination. It is indeed a great event to celebrate God’s immeasurable love on you and we are happy to identify with you,’ he said.
In their separate speeches, the National chairman of APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa and the former Vice Chancellor of COOU, Professor Fidelis Okafor, poured encomiums on Msgr Amateze, describing him as a formator’s formators’ a disciplinarian and a lover of his people, saying that his priestly work traversed the length and breadth of the world.
‘He is my father. I truly love him. I’m here to identify with him on this auspicious occasion. He is a moulder of character and a decent priest,’ Ezeokenwa said.
In an address presented by the Nise Catholic Community signed by Mr Joseph Joseph, the Secretary, Central Pastoral Council; Mr Okechukwu Amatta, Secretary, Ordination Committee; Chief Edwin Ezue, Chairman Ordination Committee; Rev. Fr. Chidi Jude Ozumba, Coordinator Ordination Committee; Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Nwankiti, Parish Priest SS Peter and Paul, Nise; Rev. Fr. Clement Ufearoh, Parish Priest of St. Stephen’s Parish, Nise and Very Rev. Fr. Joel Okechukwu, Parish Priest, St. Felix Catholic Church, Nise and Chairman Central Parish Council, appreciated God for the gift of Msgr. Amateze.
‘Msgr, the positive and good impressions you have left in the areas of your apostolate are testifying today of your pastoral and teaching experiences. The magnanimous spirit and heart which you always show to people and the Church are well evidenced even now that you have retired, though not tired.
‘Our dear Msgr, we are celebrating you today for your love and concern for souls. We are celebrating you today as the first priest of Nise whom God used to open the doors of vocation in Nise. We are celebrating you for the numerous roles you have played to ensure peace and meaningful development in Nise. We are indeed proud of you.
Speaking on behalf of Nise Vocations Association, Very Rev Fr. Sylvester Dunu described Msgr. Amateze as a great teacher and formator of priests.
‘It was a great History because the Catholic Church in Nise was fifty years when it happened. It was a great History because 12 sons of Nise are now priests in various congregations, actively and effectively engaged in many places of the world.
’19 great daughters (one is with the Lord now- the late Sister Louisa Ikeji) are religious women spread throughout the globe. We are also blessed with religious men – all following the footsteps to erase the slogan -“Nise Anaghi echi Fada”
Holy Mass Thanksgiving, taking of photos with the Jubilarian, cutting of Golden Jubilee Cake, presentation of gifts, toast for God’s blessings, entertainment and response by the celebrant, formed the highpoints of the event.
