College Chaplain

So here I am

When I was told that I would be writing a kind of reflection for the newsletter, my mind started wandering through all the theological topics and grammar that I could and should offer. But a little voice said to me, say something short about yourself. 

So here I am, obeying that little voice.

My name is Fr Cyprian Onuorah (CJ). I am originally from Nigeria. Nigeria is in the west of Africa. I am the fourth child in a family of Five. I came to Australia in 2010 and joined Wagga Diocese in 2012 under Bishop Hannah, who welcomed me as a father. That began my training for the priesthood in Vianney College seminary Wagga. While in training, I have worked in St Patrick Albury, Holy Spirit Lavington, Immaculate Heart of Mary Thurgoona, sacred Heart Parish Griffith, St Mel’s Narrandera.

I was ordained a deacon on the 7th of June 2019 by Archbishop Christopher Prowse and worked at St Michael’s Cathedral Wagga from then on. I was then ordained a priest by Bishop Mark on the 11th of December 2020. I was then sent to work at Holy Trinity Catholic church Ashmont. Now here I am in Griffith working in your midst.

So why did you decide to become a priest? That's the constant question I get, and the continuous reply I give is that like Moses, I felt drawn constantly to the “consuming Fire”, the very life of a priest. I had many priests in my life who were outstanding in their conduct and examples. They influenced my life. Like Samuel in the bible, I heard the call from my childhood, and I received the grace to answer and follow this call.  

Whenever I look back on my journey to the priesthood, I see the mighty hand of God who directed and still directs all my movements. I subscribe without hesitation to the effective operation of God's providential care and love in my journey. There were many obstacles on the way, many battles both with self and with people around. But as I experienced many obstacles, there were also as many graces as possible to help me overcome all the hurdles that presented themselves. The God who knows me best knows the best for me. 

God was constantly guiding and leading the way. It reminds me of Philip Yancey saying, "A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me”.

World Day of Prayer