Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Rector, St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos, Plateau State, Rev. Father Mark Nzukwen has appreciated God for keeping him in his vineyard for the past Twenty Six years.
He stated this while speaking to newsmen in Jalingo, during 26th years Anniversary celebration of his Priesthood.
He appreciated all those that stood behind him in the past Twenty Six years.
He disclose that his greatest challenge is the upbringing of the younger generation.
“I spent Thirteen years in the Minor Seminary and now Five years in the Major Seminary Jos. It is not easy training the younger ones whom are coming from a challenging Society where the values are collapse drastically. One would just be trying to use his psychology and his best to use instruments and scriptures and all other means to bring them up.
“My greatest challenge is trying to bring up featured leaders in a society that is corrupt, in just, in secured and where the elders don’t seem to present values that are attractive to the younger ones.
He blamed politicians for the cause of insecurity in the country.
“The way politicians take politics now is not at the service of Love and fair play. They are taking politics as an instrument for operation, self enrichment and protecting their interest which has nothing to do with God, that is why we are suffering.
“The politicians are concerned about enrichment than service, they have forgotten about definition of Democracy which is Government of the People, by the People and for the People, but today is Government of the Politicians, by the Politicians and for the Politicians, how can we move forward and also not experience Insecurity?.
“There is no Nation blessed like Nigeria, but our Politicians have refused to take into cognizant to this – he said.
He used the forum to advise his younger Priests to understand that their call to serve, is a greatest gift to serve humanity.
“They should try and commit themselves to the service and welfare of the people. The Priest can also contribute to the National development through Spiritual services, afterall the church also offers social services in the areas of Health, Education and others.
He thanked his late parents for laying a solid Educational foundation giving to him.
“They sacrifice everything they have to see that I have western Education. I remain ever indebted to them, may their souls continue to rest in peace with the Lord.
He appreciated the Catholic Church for offering him Scholarship to study in a University, in Rome.
He also appreciate Bishop Charles Hammawa, Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese for ordaining him as a Priest.
“When we started this journey, were Eleven in Class from Yola Diocese, as the Lord may have it, only Five of us succeeded in becoming Priests, three were call to Glory. Out of Five of us, Four were from Yola Diocese, while I was left alone (Orphan) in Jalingo Diocese.
He thanked the 1999 set of St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos Plateau State for their support to him through their stay in the Seminary.
He also thanked the Staff of the Seminary for the support giving to him for over Five years as a Rector of the Seminary.
“Your presence is a clear indication that you will continue to stand by me while piloting the affairs of the Seminary.
He further appreciated the support to the Catholic Church by the Taraba State Government and the representative of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku in person of Elder John Mamman to the occasion.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, represented by the Chairman, Taraba State Civil Service Commission, Elder John Mamman congratulate the celebrant for working in the Lord’s vineyard for the past Twenty Six years.
He urged the Catholic Church to pray for the state and country at large for peace to rain.
“I am happy that the celebrant is in the section of Training the younger ones, I urge him to teach them what is right and not politically right.
He said that the Priest has served for Twenty Six years and currently the Rector of a Major Seminary, Jos Plateau.
“We ask and Pray God will help him carry out his assignment well. I urge the upcoming Priests to emulate Rev. Fr. Mark Nzukwen.
In his remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa, thanked God for the celebrant for keeping to his Priesthood and urged him to continue putting in his best.
He said that the occasion was to take place last year, but was shifted to this year due to Corona Virus aka COVID 19 pandemic.
On his part, Chairman of the occasion said all his life have been in Catholic Church and that he will always back Catholic Church activities and program.
He disclose that he have been with the celebrant for years and promise to continue supporting him.
He described the celebrant as humble, simple and dedicated.
“The celebrant did well when he was the Rector of Junior Seminary, Jalingo and he was able to conbine his duties together with Priesthood.
“I urge people to continue praying for him and support him where necessary.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the occasion, Mrs. Regular Yuguda, describe the celebrant as nice and humble person, adding that he has touched the lives of both Catholic and non Catholics.
“He was one time Rector of a minor Seminary in Jalingo and now in a Major Seminary Jos Plateau, we believe that he can do well.
“I wish him good Health and more years ahead – she said.
Nasarawa Reporters 