By Emmanuel Nwachukwu
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the seminarians of the Diocese of Ahiara undergoing priestly formation at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, were graciously visited by Very Rev. Fr. Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku, a priest of the Diocese of Ahiara. The visit, though brief, was deeply impactful and spiritually enriching.
During his interaction with the seminarians, Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku delivered words of encouragement, urging them to remain steadfast and faithful to their vocation despite the inevitable challenges and demands of priestly formation. He reminded them that the journey of formation, though rigorous, is a necessary path toward fulfilling God’s divine call.
Drawing inspiration from the Sacred Scripture, he made reference to the fiat of notable biblical figures such as Samuel and the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting their prompt obedience and total surrender to God’s will. He challenged the seminarians to emulate this spirit of trust and perseverance in responding daily to their vocation.
While acknowledging the abundance of priestly vocations in Nigeria, Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku emphasized the uniqueness and irreplaceable value of each individual’s vocation, stressing that God calls each person for a distinct purpose in His vineyard. He encouraged the seminarians not to measure themselves against others but to embrace their personal journey with sincerity and commitment.
In the course of the interaction, Bro. Stanley Eke, speaking on behalf of the seminarians, expressed profound gratitude to Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku for his fatherly presence and timely words of encouragement. He also took the opportunity to draw attention to some of the pressing challenges faced by the seminarians during their formation.
Responding warmly, Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku assured them of the continuous fatherly care of our dear Bishop, Most Rev. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi CMF, and the support and solidarity of the priests of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara. He urged the seminarians to remain focused, disciplined, and prayerful, reminding them that perseverance is key to authentic priestly formation.
In a remarkable gesture of generosity, despite the urgency of his visit, Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku extended material and financial support to the seminarians, further demonstrating his pastoral concern and commitment to their welfare.
The Primus, Bro. Ikedi Obasi thanked Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku for his benevolence on behalf of the seminarians and promised to keep to heart all Fr. Nwachukwu-Udaku instructed.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu-Udaku is the Director of Academic Formation at St. Junipero Seminary/House of Formation, San Bernardino Diocese, CA, USA. Fr. Ben Nwachukwu-Udaku, while undergoing his theological studies and formation in Bigard Memorial Seminary, served as an infirmarian and later the chief infirmarian (1991-1995). To the greater glory of God, Fr. Ben, being influenced by his earlier beginning as an infirmarian and having known the importance of sustainable health care for the people, believes in the fact that “Health is Wealth.” And based on this, and in reciprocating to God’s goodness and blessings upon his life, he has gifted his community with a medical center that helps to provide medical services to all, but especially to the most vulnerable members of society, the little, the least, and the last of Jesus’ brethren (Matthew 25:40).
The visit concluded on a note of renewed hope and motivation, leaving the seminarians deeply inspired and grateful for the fatherly care and encouragement received.
