OLSWCC

OUR LADY SEAT OF WISDOM CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY

OUR LADY SEAT OF WISDOM CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY

  1. INTRODUCTION:

The Catholic Chaplaincy of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has been appropriately designed as OUR LADY SEAT OF WISDOM CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY. She is a leading and proud member of the community of God’s people in the institution. A small assembly of men and women, with their families from this sparsely populated and fledging academic institution led by their respective priests, religious and ministers, motivated and galvanized, by love, faith, dedication, commitment, sacrifice and the grace of God, constituted the nucleus of what stands tall today as the University, Christian Catholic Community.

HISTORY OF THE CHAPLAINCY

The pioneer community recognized early enough, that the nascent educational institution could only aspire to the achievement of its mandate and responsibilities through the development of a God-centered academic culture and orientation. The Catholic Community, at the onset, composed essentially of students with a sprinkling of staff (mostly those resident on campus) as well as few worshippers from the campus neighbourhoods.

 A striking feature of the early history of the Catholic Chaplaincy in the University, was the glaring absence of a permanent place of worship. For several years the community had no designated venue for formal worship. Options such as classrooms, workshops, and laboratories were freely but desperately adapted at various periods, as worship venues. Prominent amongst such ad hoc facilities were, the Old site classrooms, the Amphitheatre and the Faculty of Engineering Drawing room. At some point, the Catholic community was constrained to share the Amphitheatre with the Protestant Community, an arrangement that was extremely clumsy and most inconvenient for Catholic liturgy.

By some divine intervention, however, the migratory trend ended about the late 1980s. The University Governing Council took a laudable decision to consider the need to allocate land spaces for the development of Church infrastructures, as part of the University Master plan options. Land allocations were subsequently approved for the two major Christian communities on campus- (viz the Catholics and the Protestants).

In January 24th 1992, at a brief but colorful and memorable ceremony, the then Diocesan Catholic Bishop and Apostolic Administrator of Port Harcourt and Warri Dioceses, the Late, Most Rev. (Dr.) Edmund Fitzgibbon, performed the symbolic and historic turning of the first sod and the laying of the foundation stone for the permanent Catholic Church building, on Campus on the land allocated by the University. This ceremony fired the zeal of the University Catholic community into taking practical steps to address the monumental physical and fiscal challenges entailed in the building of a befitting place of worship to glorify God’s name and effectively signal His presence for real, on the University campus.

Aggressive fund raising activities in support of the venture followed the laying of the foundation stone. The first formal fund launching took place on June 12th 1992, followed by several other efforts, including successive annual harvest thanksgiving schedules and other special events, geared towards the realization of the project.

Meanwhile to secure the allocated site, the Chaplaincy Pastoral Council in 2003 decided to provide a temporary structure at the permanent site for worship and other religious activities. Simultaneously, the then Diocesan Bishop, the Late Most Rev. (Dr.) Alexis O. Makozi, concluded a contract arrangement with the firm of Messrs. Ave Maria Construction Company from Onitsha Catholic Diocese to undertake the building of the permanent Church structure. This contract was for good reasons terminated while still at the DPC level. It was subsequently re-awarded, to a new contractor.

Prior to re-awarding the contract, there was a comprehensive review of the project design to obviate future costly alterations. The projected future capacity of the Church was the dominant consideration. The ongoing Church building project was often stalled due to the paucity of funds. The Rev. Fr. Bartholomew O. Uzoma and the Very Rev. Fr. Barr. Michael Akere, were unrelenting in their commitment and dogged determination to drive the project as speedily as available funds permitted. One of the major spiritual achievements by this Chaplaincy was the fostering and inauguration of a burgeoning and promising outstation, the Church of the Ascension (which has today grown into a full parish) at the neighbouring Eagle Island Community. This was the brainchild of one of the resident Chaplains, Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Uzoma.

In the spirit of continuity, Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Nwosu was posted to take over from Very Rev Fr. Barr Michael Akere in 2017. With his enormous experience on the youth apostolate, he was able to galvanize the members of Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students to become more conscious of their roles and duties in the Chaplaincy. Salient projects were undertaken by him and these include;

  • The fencing of the entire Chaplaincy land
  • Completion of the Chaplaincy Church
  • Renovation of the Chaplaincy hall
  • Building of a Marian Grotto

The current Chaplain Rev. Fr. Simeon Nwosu has remained tenacious and spirited to drive the construction through the final stages which today, 11/11/2021 has become a reality in the form of a superb edifice and was dedicated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Camillus Etukudo, Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese ably represented by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Eluke, Auxiliary Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt.

The activities in the Chaplaincy were basically organized, driven and energized by the Catholic students, through the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), a local chapter of the nationwide organization of Catholic students in Higher Institutions in Nigeria. Some of these activities includes but not limited to: keeping of the church environment clean, functioning in the various arms of the church such as the choir, ministers of hospitality, lay readers etc.

The Eucharistic Celebrations include;

  • Prayer meetings (mornings and evenings)
  • Catechism classes
  • Legion of Mary activities / Holy Rosary prayer meetings.
  • Social and cultural activities (including welcome parties for new students and send-off programmes for graduating students, etc).
  • Other apostolic or evangelistic roles (to witness to the Catholic faith to the community).

There was no resident priest at the time and therefore all the relevant activities in the community were supervised and moderated by Catholic priests assigned by the Local Ordinary, on visiting basis, mostly from the Catholic Institute West Africa, (CIWA) Rumuibekwe or neighbouring Parishes.

Prominent among the priests that served in that capacity were;

  • The Most Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Ezeanya (of blessed memory), later Archbishop of Onitsha Dioscese.
  • Very Rev. Msgr. Peter Ohochukwu
  • Very Rev. Fr. (Dr) Joseph Kabari
  • Very Rev. Msgr. Barinem Livy-Boniko
  • Very Rev. Msgr. John K. Wangbu
  • Very Rev. Msgr. Charles Agu

The visiting posting of priests was later terminated and replaced by resident Chaplains effective from:

  • Fr. (Dr.) Emmanuel Uduakobong Umoren (First Chaplain)

Below were other priests who assisted in fostering the pastoral works of the Chaplaincy:

  • Fr (Dr) J. Okoro (Assistant to the first Chaplain)
  • Very Rev. Fr. Donatus Ukulor (on temporary assignment due to the death of Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Emmanuel Uduakobong Umoren)
  • Fr. Felix Kumanwe

The 1980/81 academic session witnessed the formal assignment of priests (apparently as more “Labourers” became available in the Lord’s Vineyard). The then Bishop and Apostolic Administrator of Port Harcourt and Warri Dioceses, the Most Rev. (Dr) Edmund Fitzgibbon (of blessed memory) sent the first resident priest, in the person of late Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Emmanuel Uduak Obong Umoren as the first resident University Chaplain. This priest was assisted by Rev. Fr (Dr) J. Okoro. Both of them were lecturers in the institute of Foundation Studies of the University. The unfortunate and unexpected death of Rev. Fr. E.U Umoren in 2004, necesitated the temporary assignment of the Very Rev. Fr. Donatus Ukulor, then parish Priest of the neighbouring Immaculate Heart Parish, Diobu, to fill the vacuum. He was occasionally assisted by Rev. Fr. Felix Kumanwe amongst others.

In 2006, the Late Diocesan Bishop, His Lordship, the Most Rev (Dr) Alexis Obabu Makozi, appointed and posted substantive and resident priests who are as follows:

  • (Fr) Bartholomew Onyekachi Uzoma (2006 – 2010).
  • Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ada Akere (2010 – 2017) (who was posted by Most Rev. Camillus Etokudoh to take over from Fr. Bartholomew Uzoma).
  • Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Chukwuma Nwosu (2017 – Date)

 

THE RELIGIOUS

The evangelistic and social functions of the executive clerics were supplemented and strengthened by a number of religious attachments at various periods in the course of the historical development of the Chaplaincy.

Among these were:

  • Sr. (Dr.) Mary Charles Chidolue
  • Sr. Mary Evangelista Oparaocha
  • Mother (Prof.) Marie Pauline Eboh
  • Sr. Mary Caritas Idike
  • Sr. Chukwononso Ezike (Late)
  • Sr. Germane Amaku
  • Sr. Mary Angela Ekwonye
  • Sr. Judith Udechukwu
  • Sr. Eucharia Chinonso Nweke
  • Sr. Mike Theres Nwachukwu

A number of Religious Postulants readily helped out and they include; Elizabeth Nwegede, Blessing Onwubariri and Lucy Igwe.

Below are pasts and current Catechist who have assisted in the Chaplaincy:

  • Donatus Justin
  • Pius Akubuike
  • Victor Odafe Angless
  • Igwe Stephen
  • Chinyere T. Ottih
  • Felix Anya
  • Amos Isajini

 

  1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAPLAINCY

The Chaplaincy works in synergy with the Management of the University in the moral/spiritual upbringing of the students and staff through the following:

  • Celebration of Holy Mass
  • Catechism Classes
  • Marriage Classes
  • Weddings and Baptism schedules
  • Adoration (Wednesdays and 1st Fridays of every month); and
  •  
  • Know your Faith series
  • Night of Adoration
  • Night of Praise
  •  
  1. STRUCTURE OF THE CHAPLAINCY

Over the years, the Chaplaincy experienced steady changes in its organizational structure to fit the canonical prescriptions of the Universal church. The Chaplaincy Council and the various sub-committees are subject to periodic review and re-organization.

The following constitutes the structure of the Chaplaincy:

Chaplaincy Pastoral Council:

  • The Chaplain
  • Vice Council Chairman
  • Secretary-General
  • Assistant Secretary-General
  • Financial Secretary
  • Treasurer

Laity Council:

  • President/Chairman
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Assistant Secretary
  • Financial Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • PRO
  • Welfare Officer

Below are other Laity organizations and Pious societies in the Chaplaincy

  • The Catholic Men Organization (CMO)
  • The Catholic Women Organization (CWO) and associated subgroups
  • The Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS)
  • The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON)
  • The Legion of Mary (All Presidia)
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus and Apostleship of Prayer
  • The Catholic Biblical Instructors Union (CBIU)
  • The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN)
  • Altar Servers Association
  • The Block Rosary Crusade
  • The Chaplaincy St. Cecilia’s Choir
  • Society of St. Vincent De Paul
  • Anthony of Padua Society
  • Jude’s Society
  • Ann’s Society
  • Lay Readers Association (Lectors)
  • The Blue Army
  • Our Mother of Perpetual Help

LIST OF PAST AND CURRENT VICE CHAIRMEN OF CHAPLAINCY COUNCIL IN THEIR ORDER OF SERVICE

  • Alexis Monsi
  • Lawrence Kenekayaro
  • Chief Sir Desmond Wosu
  • Late Sir Anthony Ijeoma Allagoa

CURRENT PASTORAL COUNCIL OFFICERS

  • Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Chukwuma Nwosu – Chaplain
  • Lady Harmony Chimezie Nwosu – Secretary
  • Miriam Adaeze Ibekwe – Assistant – Secretary
  • Mrs. Angela Aligbe – Financial Secretary
  • Chief Mrs. Fidelia Agonemi Mutu – Treasurer

 

PAST AND CURRENT FINANCE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

  • Petit Awaji-Mere Jackson (Past)
  • Pascal Nduka Ukwu (current)

CURRENT PRESIDENT OF THE LAITY COUNCIL

  • Sir Innocent Iyalla Harry
  1. PHILOSOPHY OF THE CHAPLAINCY

The philosophy of the Chaplaincy is hinged on a realization that it is All About Jesus in carrying out her objectives. This philosophy therefore helps to shape our understanding and approach to our mandate as a community of God’s people. Thus, membership of the Chaplaincy is open to:

  • All Catholic students in the University and other students who wish to join.
  • All Catholic staff in the University and others who wish to join.
  • All benefactors and benefactresses of the Chaplaincy.
  • Other members of the general public outside the University community which includes Catholics and non-Catholics.
  • It is also open to all University assigned activities.
  • It is also open to all Diocesan and Deanery programs in the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt.
  1. OBJECTIVES OF THE CHAPLAINCY

The objectives of the Chaplaincy include:

  • To build a community of believers whose life is Christ-centered.
  • To aid students in their spiritual growth so as to form balanced individuals in the society.
  • To mold the character of the students, bringing them closer to God through sound catholic teachings.
  • To help in building the intellectual cum spiritual capacity of students.
  • To aid them in proper choice making.
  • Molding their character to be good leaders of tomorrow and strong future members of the Church.
  • To develop the holistic personality of students and the worshipping community.

 

  1. PROFILE OF THE CHAPLAIN, VERY REV. FR. SIMEON NWOSU

Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Chukwuma Nwosu hails from Umunju – Umuogba in Omuma, Local Government Area, Rivers State. He attended Community Secondary School Amaji and after which he proceeded to St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year, Ekpoma, Edo State, 1995. Upon completion of his spiritual year formation in 1996, he was sent to St. Joseph Major Seminary Ikot-Epkene, Akwa Ibom State, that same year for his philosophical studies where he bagged his Bachelor of Philosophy degree (B.Phil) from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome in 2000 and Bachelor of Arts (B.A) from the University of Uyo. Thereafter, he was sent for a one-year Pastoral experience at St. Gregory’s parish Bomu, in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Upon completion of his one-year Pastoral experience and after being found worthy, he was sent back to St. Joseph major seminary Ikot-Epkene for his Theological studies in 2001 were he graduated with his Bachelor of Divinity (BD) from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome in 2004. He was ordained a Deacon in 2005 and subsequently a priest in November, 2005.

Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Chukwuma Nwosu has obtained his Post Graduate Diploma and Masters in Education from the University of Port Harcourt and is currently undergoing his PhD which is at the verge of completion.

 

His places of Apostolic work include:

  • Anthony, Igwuruta – Assistant Parish Priest.
  • Patricks, Okehi – Parish Priest.
  • Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC), Apkajo – Parish Priest.
  • Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Tere-Ama – Parish Priest.
  • Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Chaplaincy, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt – Chaplain.

Other offices held are:

  • Diocesan Chaplain, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Port Harcourt Diocese.
  • Diocesan Chaplain, Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), Port Harcourt Diocese.
  • Diocesan Chaplain, Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria (CWO), Port Harcourt Diocese.
  • Provincial Chaplain, Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), Calabar Ecclesiastical Province.
  • National Chaplain, Catholic Law Students Association of Nigeria (CALSAN).
  • Diocesan Exorcist.
  1. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHAPLAINCY

The major spiritual achievements by this Chaplaincy since its inception are as follows:

  • The fostering and inauguration of a burgeoning and promising outstation – the Church of the Ascension, Eagle Island, Port Harcourt which has today grown into a full autonomous parish.
  • The inauguration of Our Lady Health of the Sick Chaplaincy Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology.
  • Production of the first priest of the Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Goodleave Chinenye Ikeka (USOA).
  • Production of the first religious sister of the Chaplaincy – Rev. Sr. Eucharia Chinonso Nwaeke.
  • The fencing of the entire Chaplaincy land
  • Renovation of the Chaplaincy hall
  • Building of a Marian Grotto
  • Provision of scholarship to outstanding and committed students of the Chaplaincy.
  • Dedication of the Chaplaincy Church building

 

  1. UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE CHAPLAINCY
  • Election of new officers across Councils, organizations and pious societies in the Chaplaincy.
  • Building of a student’s Secretariat.

 

  1. PROSPECTS OF THE CHAPLAINCY
  • Building of a befitting parsonage for the Chaplaincy.
  1. CONCLUSION

Like the scriptural mustard seed, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Chaplaincy in Rivers State University, by God’s grace, sprouted within an incipient College of Science and Technology, has grown into a sizeable shrub (now within a full-fledged University) and will continue to grow into a gigantic ecclesial tree destined to put up large branches to accommodate a fast growing University community of the Catholic Christian faithful. In the process, this body of Christ will continue to reflect, nourish and share in that immortal wisdom of His Holiness Pope (St) John Paul II, who postulated that “A Parish is not principally a structure, a territory or a building, it is first and foremost a community of the faithful”. May the Lord continue to guide, inspire, grow and bless Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Chaplaincy and the entire University Community. Amen.