A Tribute in Honour of Msgr. Michael C. Onyekachukwu on His 49th Priestly Anniversary

A Tribute in Honour of Msgr. Michael Chukwumanjoonye Onyekachukwu on the Celebration of his 49th Priestly Anniversary, today, April 17, 2020

By

Rev. Fr. Chiedu A. Onyiloha, PhD

Our beloved and esteemed elder brother and selfless mentor, Msgr. Michael Chukwumanjoonye Onyekachukwu, this is the time to celebrate you! 

You are a role model to us, your younger ones; you are a gentle giant, to all of the humanity; your sonorous voice and integrity, remain your moral persuasions for love, order and discipline in the Church and society; and, with validated pedagogical and epistemological riches, you remain an icon for all and sundry. Thank, you.

Msgr. M. C. Onyekachukwu, you are a true disciple of the Lord, for you are selfless and not attracted to material things. You are an illustrious son of the Mother Church.

Monsignor Sure, you are an epitome of sacerdotal love, justice and equity and of which whoever lived or live with you as Vicars or Resident Priests, bear eloquent testimonies of your justice, equity and tolerance.

You are detached from monies and worldly things. You are cheerful in sharing the temporal goods of the Church. No one ever grumbled or grumbles, for each one, received or receives even more than your own share. You are charitable and you are transparent and accountable in your stewardship. 

Nna anyi Monsignor, you are a bearer of the Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ and your prophetic voice had and cannot be muzzled by any enticements or powers, and for sure, you speak without fear or favour --- knowing fully well that if you speak the truth, you shall die, and if you don't speak the truth, you shall still die. More significantly, your veritable prophetic voice is predicated upon John 14:6.

Our esteemed Father in faith, at Forty-nine (49), you are simple, peaceful and elegant --- because of your lifestyle that is rooted and built up in Lord Jesus Christ. You are joyful and grateful because of your insights into the essence of life and of which have been and continue to be in the ambience of the Holy Spirit.

Of all your academic heights, you are still a learner owing to your humility and earnest understanding that life is larger than logic. Whoever seeks your counsel is replete with wisdom and praxis.

Msgr. Sure and Okwurunu ma, your antecedents are like pearls, and aesthetically are beyond material forms, for their admirations remain timeless.

Msgr. M. C. Onyekachukwu, how beautiful are those whom the Lord blesses with good health of mind and body! Your lifestyle is exemplary and edifying. We are all living witnesses.

Now, our beloved Msgr. M. C. Onyekachukwu, as you mark your 49th Priestly Anniversary, we are glad and rejoice with you for being a good priest, an erudite teacher, an altruistic mentor and a humble trailblazer. May this anniversary, bring you good health of mind and body, and may all your pastoral and academic works continue to resonate with humanity and for the glory of God. 

I and others are indebted to you for your love, care and support, especially in spiritual, pastoral, and academic spheres of life. Thanks for being a good father, a humble priest, a great teacher and an awesome mentor. Msgr. M. C. Onyekachukwu, daalu!

Msgr. Michael Chukwumanjoonye Onyekachukwu, happy priestly anniversary and we wish you more fruitful years in the Lord's Vineyard even as we await the Golden Jubilee of your Priestly Ordination, by the grace of God, which comes on April 17, 2021. 

Nna anyi Msgr. Onyekachukwu, I bu Ukochukwu ebebe! 

Msgr. Onyekachukwu, Chukwu debe gi!! 

Msgr. Sure, I ga-adi ma ya gazie o o!!!