By Mark Reidy
He was born in Nigeria, studied in Rome, served as a missionary in the Philippines and, on 23 October this year, Abraham Chukwu was ordained to the priesthood at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Bunbury.
Surrounded by family, friends and parishioners from across Bunbury and, indeed, Australia, Fr Abraham, who arrived in Australia in February last year, was ordained by the Bishop of Bunbury, the Most Reverend Gerard Holohan.
“It was a very solemn and beautiful ceremony and, indeed, a red letter day for me,” Fr Abraham reflected after the ordination.
“As it was for many who attended from the Bunbury Diocese, from Perth Archdiocese and for my visitors from Sydney, USA and Nigeria.”
A number of supporters also attended Fr Abraham’s Thanksgiving Masses, the first at the Bunbury Cathedral the day after his ordination and then the following day at Our Lady of the Bay Church, Busselton.
This inaugural Mass was a special occasion for Bunbury Diocese’s newest priest who personally selected the music for the occasion and was treated with a song of blessing from students of St Joseph’s School.
On a personal level, Fr Abraham was overjoyed to have his brother, Rev Jude Chukwu OSB, stand alongside him during his ordination and at his Thanksgiving Mass, serving as a deacon.
Delivering the homily at the Thanksgiving Mass, Vicar General for the Diocese of Bunbury, Fr Tony Chiera offered support and advice for Fr Abraham to ponder during the years ahead, explaining that he would never fully be aware of the all the ways that God would work through him in the lives of the people he would encounter.
Fr Abraham grew up in the predominantly Catholic South Eastern part of Nigeria, with three brothers and a sister. His faith journey was greatly influenced by his parents, who have passed away.
“I grew up to assimilate the Catholic faith of my parents which I have always cherished and deepened,” he shared in an interview before his Ordination.
At one stage, Fr Abraham considered a career as a diplomat and was a teacher for five years but, as he delved into the lives of some of the saints of the Church, he recognised a deeper calling.
“I was entranced by the faith, love and courage of great men and women like St John of the Cross, St Theresa of Avila and St Catherine of Sienna,” he shared.
“They left every other thing to follow and serve God. This kind of life started to appeal to me more than anything else.”
This inner yearning led to further studies in Philosophy at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, and was followed by four years living in the Philippines as a religious missionary.
Fr Abraham arrived in Australia in February 2014, destined for the Diocese of Bunbury, and completed the required studies for priesthood at St Charles’ Seminary, Guildford and the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle.
“Catholic priesthood is not a profession or a career, it is a calling, a vocation which is a gift and mystery and an initiative of God,” he reflected, after his ordination.
“(It is something) I gradually became aware of through a series of profoundly spiritual experiences. I have (now) answered His call and have left everything to follow.”
Fr Abraham is passionate about fulfilling this priestly ministry within the Bunbury Diocese and is hoping to be a powerful witness for Christ for all those he will serve.
“A Catholic priest, through the ordination, reflects the person of Jesus Christ in a very special way – to continue His presence and saving mission on earth,” he announced proudly.
“The aim is that, with Jesus working through me as an instrument, people may come to know Him, Love Him, serve Him, worship Him and then have eternal life.”