By Michael Nnebife and Chinonso Samson
It was a solemn moment of celebration at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Saturday, 4th January, 2025, as an illustrious son of the soil, Rev Fr Clifford Aniefuna, marked his 40th Priestly Anniversary amid encomiums from brother priests, friends and individuals, who had come in close contact with the priest.
The event, which the celebrant described as a thanksgiving for God’s benevolence upon him, was well attended by Catholic priests from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, including lay people from all walks of life, coming from different parts of the world such as the United States of America, Germany, among others.
Speaking in a homily during a Holy Mass to herald the epoch-making event, Rev Fr Ignatius Onwuatuegwu of the Department of Philosophy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, described Fr Aniefuna as a refined Priest of God and man of mystery.
He likened Fr Aniefuna as Abraham, saying Aniefuna not only answered the call of priesthood but had also followed Christ happily.
While speaking with Fides, Fr Aniefuna, who started as an Altar boy, said he felt fulfilled being in the priestly vocation for 40 years now and counting.
He said, ‘It’s by God’s grace; I can’t claim any credit, but it has been a journey that’s worth thanking God for.’
Fr Aniefuna, who said through fervent prayers for the grace of God, he overcame the challenges facing a priest, recalled those that contributed immensely in his life as a Catholic priest.
Among them are his late parents whom, he said, laid the foundation; the late Msgr Alias Makor, whom he served as an altar boy in the 60s; Msgr Nwazojie; the late Fr Oliobi; and Fr Azuka, who ran the then Agulu Parish at different stages.
Aniefuna, who expressed gratitude to those individuals, could not forget the late Archbishop Albert Obiefuna and the late Bishop Emmanuel Oteh, for their impact on his life.
He said, ‘I’ll never forget the late Archbishop Obiefuna; that man gave me courage, because his principles made me strong. Also, I’ll never forget the late Emmanuel Oteh; he was my formator in the seminary, and he laid a very solid foundation (of my priestly vocation).’
A number of the dignitaries that graced the epoch-making event also spoke with Fides, paying special tributes to Fr Aniefuna.
Among them, are Rev Fr Joseph Nwanna; the President, Life Members, Agulu Deanery, Lady Cynthia Nnebedum; the President General of Agulu Community, Chief Oliver Afamefuna; another Agulu Community stakeholder, Mr Emeka Onwusowulu; a USA-based health specialist, Mrs Felicia Ajuonuma; among others.
Rev Fr Nwanna said, ‘Fr Clifford is a saint and a very simple, honest fellow, but very strict in the sense that you should say the truth; what he hates is telling him a lie.’
Also, Lady Nnebedum and Mrs Ajuonuma in their separate remarks, said Fr Clifford was a faithful servant of God and nation-builder who had impacted greatly on the lives of many people.
To Chief Afamefuna and Mr Onwusowulu, Fr Clifford is a very humble and meticulous human being who represents the Church, Awka Catholic Diocese and his Agulu Community well wherever he finds himself.
One of the guests from the USA, Marie-Cecile Groelsema, added, ‘Fr Clifford is a great blessing God has given us; any person he touches, the person’s life changes. He is really a man of God. We need more people like him.’
They prayed for Fr Aniefuna, wishing him longevity in good health and abundant grace to continue his work for God and humanity.
The second part of the event took place at St Albert the Great College’s field, Agulu, featuring presentation of gift items to the celebrant by the Aniefuna family, St Patrick’s and some other parishes the celebrant served, various church organizations, among others.
