Picture: R-L: Very Rev Father Dr Aghaulor (4th), Rev Father Prof Obiowulu (3rd), and others
By David Onwuchekwa
All roads led to St. Michael Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo local government area, Anambra State Sunday July 6, 2025 where large numbers of Catholic faithful and non members alike joined Very Rev Father Dr Hyginus Aghaulor in a Mass to celebrate his 32 years of priesthood.
The event attracted many priests including Rev Fr Prof Aloysius Obiowulu of the Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu who was ordained on the same date as Fr Aghaulor 32 years ago.
Fielding questions from journalists after the Mass, Very Rev Father Dr Aghaulor said he was elated to celebrate his 32 years as a servant of God and to see those who worked with him those early years in his life.
He revealed that over 80 percent of the cost of putting the event together was born by his well-wishers to thank God for his life.
“Nothing gives joy so much as when you look at the road you passed through you have something to thank God for.
“You can see how happy all of us are and one of them just flew into the country two days ago to be part of the event. So, it has been a thing of joy to me. There has been God’s favour.
“My priesthood is not by accident, it is by God’s design. In my childhood, it was my dream to be a priest.
“I was a Mass server and when I entered secondary school, I thought of being a priest and a journalist and I started writing for newspapers and magazines as early as that time. That urge to be a priest and a journalist continued even when I entered the university and I ended up being a priest and a journalist.
“So, the things I dreamed of, God combined them for me. I’m a happy person and I thank God for that, “he added.
Rev Fr Prof Obiowulu also told journalists that he was ordained priest 32 years ago with Fr Aghaulor, precisely in 1993.
Rev Prof Obiowulu said being a priest for 32 years had its own ups and downs, saying that priests are equally humans.
“At times there are difficulties but by the grace of God we continue to move on. I thank God for these 32 years. God has continued to help me in my various assignments.
“You know there are people even in our clime who will be ordained priests but after sometimes they will not continue. So, for someone to have continued is by the grace of God, “he said.
Fr Obiowulu said he had been very close to Fr Aghaulor since September 1978 when both of them joined junior seminary. He noted that till date they are inseparable to the extent that people call them twins.
One of the personalities at the event, Sir Dr Nubia Ihechukwudere, a Grand Knight of St Mulumba said he had known Aghaulor and Obiowulu for decades, describing them as twins because of the way they have been relating over the years.
He said that upcoming priests should emulate their carriage, patience and dedication.
Currently Fr Aghaulor serves as the Episcopal Vicar for the Ozubulu Region, who oversees the spiritual needs of the Catholic community in the area.
As the Parish Priest of St. Michael Catholic Church, Ozubulu, he provides pastoral care and spiritual direction to the parishioners, guiding them in their faith journey.
Rev Fr Aghaulor is a devoted Catholic priest serving in the Nnewi Diocese, Anambra State, Nigeria. With a strong commitment to his faith and community, Father Aghaulor has held various roles within the diocese, demonstrating his dedication to the spiritual growth and development of the people.
In addition to his current roles, Father Aghaulor has previously served as the Chancellor of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, where he handled administrative and legal matters. He has also served as the Communication Director of the diocese, managing the diocese’s communication and public relations.
He is actively involved in his community, providing spiritual guidance and support to various groups and organizations. As the Worthy Chaplain of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Ozubulu Sub-Council, he plays a key role in the spiritual development of the Knights and their families.
Father Aghaulor has been a vocal advocate for issues affecting his community, including security concerns and human capital development. He has spoken out against the killings of Christians by Fulani herdsmen and criticized the government’s response to the issue.
Through his lectures and sermons, he emphasizes the importance of human capital development and encourages the faithful to strive for balanced and responsible personalities.
Fr Aghaulor is a dedicated servant of the Lord, committed to the spiritual growth and development of the people in the Nnewi Diocese. Through his various roles and responsibilities, he continues to provide guidance, support, and spiritual direction to the faithful, inspiring them to live out their faith with conviction and purpose.
