A Decade of Devotion: Celebrating God’s Grace and the Literary Launch of Rev. Fr. Collins Osagie
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick
BENIN CITY – The atmosphere at St. Valentine Catholic Church, Evbuotubu, was electric with faith and gratitude as the community celebrated the 10th Priestly Ordination Anniversary of their Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Collins Ewedafe Osagie. The event, which took place over the weekend, was more than a personal milestone; it was a vibrant display of the growth of the Church in Edo State.
The Sacredness of the "Unworthy Hands"
The anniversary Mass, presided over by Fr. Osagie, featured a powerful homily by Rev. Fr. Barr. Mac Anthony Nwako of the Lagos Archdiocese. Fr. Nwako, a longtime friend and legal mind, spoke passionately about the endurance required for "10 years of unbroken priesthood."
He reminded the congregation that the priesthood is not a career path for the ambitious, but a sacrificial life for the devoted. Referring to Fr. Osagie as a "shepherd who smells like his sheep," he highlighted the mystical nature of the priest's office:
"Through the hands of Fr. Collins, bread has become the Body of Christ and wine the Blood of Christ. Through these same hands, many have been ushered into the faith through Baptism and comforted in their final passage through the rites of the Church."
Fr. Nwako also addressed the realities of ministry, advising the celebrant that opposition is often a sign of a complete mission, humorously suggesting that those who act as "enemies" should simply be "kept busy" with the work of the Lord.
Intellectual Stewardship: "Answering God’s Call"
A major highlight of the day was the official unveiling of Fr. Osagie’s latest book, "Answering God’s Call to Care for Creation." The publication is timely, aligning with the global Catholic focus on Laudato Si’ (environmental stewardship).
Fr. Osagie, who is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Benin, brings a scholarly lens to his pastoral work. With a Master’s in Philosophy and a background in Sacred Theology, his book challenges the faithful to see environmental care as a moral and religious duty. The book launch saw a "special thanksgiving procession," as guests from all walks of life moved to the altar to support the priest’s intellectual and spiritual apostolate.
A Gift from the Vatican
The celebration took on an international dimension with the presentation of a Papal Blessing from Pope Leo XIV. The impartation was made possible through the efforts of two "priestly sons" of the parish:
- Rev. Fr. Francis Morah, currently serving in Rome.
- Rev. Fr. Anthony Osawe, of Blessed Tansi Parish, New Benin.
Their presence and the Papal scroll served as a reminder of Fr. Osagie’s influence as a former formator and Vice Rector at St. Paul Minor Seminary, where he helped shape the next generation of Edo State’s clergy.
Culture and Celebration
The cutting of the 10th-anniversary cake was accompanied by a photography session that turned into a mini-festival, with the youth of the parish dancing well into the evening to "dance tones" that celebrated the joy of the priesthood.
A Request for Prayer
In his closing remarks, Fr. Osagie remained humble, emphasizing that a priest’s strength is drawn from his people.
"If the priest is good, the congregation thrives; if he is mediocre, the people suffer," he noted. "I encourage you to talk to God about me more than you talk to men about me."
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