West Delegation Curia, Lagos, June 30, 2026. The Claretian Missionaries, Delegation West Nigeria, joyfully gathered to celebrate with Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Medaiyedu-Ambrose, CMF, the Major Superior of the Organism, on his Priestly Ordination Silver Jubilee Anniversary, at the Curia House, Ajao Estate, Lagos. The occasion commenced, as expected, with a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving led by the celebrant.
The homily, spiced with innocuous and very complimentary innuendos was delivered by VRFr John Paul Achi, CMF, the Delegation Econome. At this moment, no one knows the celebrant more than the homilist, well-armed as an active participant observer, as he delved into the life of Fr Augustine and the beauty of the priestly vocation. Drawing inspiration from Christ, the Good Shepherd, Fr. John Paul reminded the congregants that the priesthood is not merely a profession but an eternal vocation rooted in Christ’s own priesthood. He emphasised that a priest is called to be available, humble, and steadfast, allowing Christ to work through ordinary and imperfect means.
Reflecting on Fr. Augustine’s twenty-five years of ministry, the preacher highlighted his unwavering commitment to God’s people through moments of joy, sacrifice, misunderstanding, and hope. His ministry has touched countless lives at the altar, in the confessional, at the bedside of the sick, during baptisms, at funerals etc. The faithful were encouraged to thank God for this remarkable witness of pastoral, nay, missionary service and pray continuously for more fruitful years.
The celebration was witnessed by more than a dozen of priests from different Dioceses of Lagos, Abeokuta, Osogbo and Claretian Communities. Among those present were VRFr. Anthony Taiye Fadairo, Episcopal Vicar of Ikeja Region and Parish Priest of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Archdiocese of Lagos; VRFr. Prof. John Ezenwankwor, CMF, Registrar of the Claretian University of Nigeria (CUN), Nekede, Owerri among other Religious Men and Women, family members, friends, and parishioners from St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ikorodu, Lagos Archdiocese; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ilaro, Abeokuta Diocese; Immaculate Heart Curia Chapel, Ajao Estate.
A joyful reception, warmed by sweet fellowship and musical entertainment followed the Eucharistic celebration, in gratitude to God for the priestly life and mission of Fr. Augustine. For keen observers, the choice of the Curia for the giant celebration is an action embellished in divine wisdom and religious simplicity. As the Superior of the entire Organism in West Nigeria, Fr Augustine has every right to take the occasion to the “moon,” the biggest and most affluent parish around. But unlike others, he chose the humble space where he lives, reminding us of the renowned saying accredited to St Teresa of Avila: Blossom where you are planted. Contentment! This is a message against ostentation and avarice.
The entire Claretian Family earnestly prays for VRFr. Augustine Medaiyedu, CMF, the Major Superior of the Claretian Missionaries, Delegation West Nigeria, on his Priestly Ordination Silver Jubilee Anniversary. May the Lord continue to bless him with good health, wisdom, joy, and renewed missionary zeal. Amen!
