When he arrived in Rome on July 26, 2022, he was a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Onitsha. However, with the creation of the diocese of Aguleri by Pope Francis on February 12, 2023, he became a seminarian of this new diocese and is now in Rome. He is in his third year of theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and lives in the international ecclesiastical college. Sedes Sapientiae in Rome.
A vocation born in the heart of a Catholic family in Nigeria, where he was guided in the faith from childhood. John's vocation is deeply linked to that of his family. He was born into a devout Catholic family: his father is the late Mr. Godwin Chinedu Oraefo and his mother Mrs. Clementina Chinyere Oraefo, both with a great devotion to the Virgin Mary. She has two siblings: an older sister, Chinelo, and a younger brother, Onyeka.
"Growing up, my parents made sure that we participated in the Block Rosary Crusade (Block Rosary Crusade), a movement for children inspired by the three little shepherds of Fatima. When I was 3 years old, I attended for the first time these meetings where we prayed the Holy Rosary every night. We were also enrolled in the Legion of Mary, which strengthened our relationship with God".
"Also, after Sunday Mass, as a family we would go to receive the priest's blessing before returning home. I think this practice ignited in me the desire to to be a priest and bless people. I felt the call to the priesthood at the age of 6 and, although it seemed strange for my age, my parents supported me, trusting in God's will."
While his peers dreamed of becoming doctors, lawyers or engineers, JohnPaul aspired to the priesthood. At the end of elementary school, his parents requested his admission to the minor seminary. All Hallows Seminary of Onitsha, which belonged to his archdiocese at the time.
"I took the entrance exams, was interviewed and finally admitted. The new minor seminary course began on September 13, 2008. My enthusiasm was great, but I was not fully aware of what it entailed: leaving my home and family, getting up at 5 a.m., attending prayer and Mass punctually, studying hard and developing new skills. It was difficult at first, but, over time, I adapted thanks to the help of my formators and teachers."
He graduated in 2014 and was sent for a year of pastoral work at St. Joseph Secondary School, Awkaetiti. Then in 2015-2016, he served at St. Joseph Parish, Awada. During this time, on May 31, 2016, on the feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, his father passed away, marking a difficult moment in his journey.
That same year, along with some companions, he was sent to St. Pius X Seminary, Akwukwu, for a year of spiritual formation. In 2017, he began philosophical studies at Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, Enugu, where he studied for four years. He then undertook a year of pastoral work at the minor seminary. All Hallows SeminaryOnitsha, Onitsha, where he received his primary education.
"It was during this time that my bishop at the time, Msgr. Valerian Okeke, spoke to me about the possibility of study Theology in Rome. Thanks to their support, I came to this city to continue my education. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity," says JohnPaul.
Studying in Rome, the center of Christianity, is a providential experience. One constantly perceives the richness of our Christian heritage, the universality of the Church under the guidance of the Pope and the witness of the saints who gave their lives for the Gospel.
In addition, John Paul makes it clear: "The creation of the Diocese of Aguleri is also providential. It helps us to strengthen the faith of Catholics, to evangelize those who have not yet embraced the Gospel and to accompany young people who, due to cultural influence and secularism, are losing their faith."
"Our bishop, Bishop Denis Isizoh, is very committed to these challenges, so my colleagues and I took our seminary training very seriously to respond to this mission."
JohnPaul thanks God for guiding him this far. "I thank my family, my bishops, formators, teachers and benefactors who have accompanied my vocational journey in the priesthood. I also thank the CARF Foundation for its support in the formation of priests around the world."
And pray for the members of the CARF Foundation that their work may continue to bear fruit and that, as they collaborate with God in the sanctification of the world, He may bless them and fill them with His grace.
Gerardo Ferrara, Degree in History and Political Science, specialized in the Middle East. Head of the student body at the University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
