Celebrating 15 Years of Faith and Resilience: Fr. Ediae Launches Landmark Book on Lay Participation
–By Ruben Mario Brodrick
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA – Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Egharevba Ediae, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, recently celebrated his 15th priestly ordination anniversary with a Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ugbowo. The celebration was marked by the launch of his latest book, “The Participation of the Lay Faithful in the Tria Munera Christi,” a work aimed at empowering lay members to embrace their crucial role within the Church.
The event that showcased the Celebrant special thanksgiving to God, joined by family members, friends, and large turnout of priests and religious from different parts of the Archdiocese and beyond also featured the unveiling and launching of the book reviewed by Very Rev Fr Stephen Dumbiri, after which there was cutting of the Anniversary cake during the social aspect of the celebration.
A Journey Forged in Faith and Overcoming Adversity:
In an exclusive interview with VERITAS Newspapers, Fr. Ediae reflected on his challenging yet fulfilling journey to priesthood. He candidly shared the obstacles he faced, even during his seminary years, attributing his perseverance to divine guidance. “The journey to be a priest is not an easy one,” he stated, recounting difficulties he encountered, including a significant language barrier when he went to Italy for further studies. “God who made it possible for us to be there, made it possible to also learn that language, to use the language to study and also to come out in flying colors. So in all, I continue to give thanks to God.”
Fr. Ediae also shared a harrowing kidnap experience where, miraculously, three bullets shot into his car did not strike him. “In the midst of the challenges, I am still grateful to God and I will continue to serve him and to serve humanity,” he affirmed, highlighting his unwavering commitment despite life-threatening experiences.
Offering advice to younger priests, Fr. Ediae emphasized the importance of focus, discipline, and adherence to priestly norms. “If as a priest you continue to do things they like, it means you do not recognize who you are.”
Empowering the Lay Faithful: A Call to Deeper Participation
The newly launched book, “The Participation of the Lay Faithful in the Tria Munera Christi,” is Fr. Ediae’s third literary endeavor. His previous works focused on catechists and nurturing faith, but this latest publication underscores the indispensable role of the lay faithful.
“Without the lay faithful, there is no church,” he asserted.
Inspired by his pastoral experiences, Fr. Ediae observed a shallow understanding among many lay faithful regarding their inherent calling to participate in Christ’s three-fold ministry: the priestly, prophetic, and kingly missions. “When they know what they ought to know, they will be able to give in their best towards effective collaboration in the work of God through Christ,” he explained, emphasizing the book’s purpose in deepening their knowledge and engagement.
The Priest’s Multifaceted Role:
Earlier during the anniversary Mass, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Oyanoafoh delivered a profound homily that expounded on the essence and duties of a priest, and how the faithful can support them.
Who is a Priest?
Fr. Oyanoafoh defined a priest as “a man chosen from among men to offer sacrifice to God on behalf of himself and his people,” citing Hebrews 5:1-3. He stressed that a priest’s calling is divine, not self-appointed, and that recognizing this divine call fosters selfless, joyful, and fulfilling service.
The Major Duties of a Priest:
The homilist outlined the priest’s responsibilities across three key functions:
To work as a King: This he said involves ruling, governing, shepherding, directing, and encouraging the faithful to form a community of love, sharing, and witness, fostering unity and peace.
To work as a Prophet: he explained that it entails teaching the distinction between good and evil, preaching the Gospel, and delivering messages of truth, life, and salvation.
To work as a Priest (Sanctifier): This according to Fr Oyanoafoh encompasses blessing, praying for, and spiritually nourishing the people through the dispensation of sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony), and performing burial rites.
Fr. Oyanoafoh further elaborated on the demanding and often solitary nature of priestly work, describing a priest as a “man of God for all people” and “a man of all professions.” From fundraising for church projects and managing parish affairs to counseling, teaching, and mediating disputes, a priest’s involvement extends to nearly every aspect of community life.
He also highlighted the frequent criticisms priests face, regardless of their actions, underscoring the paradox of serving a community that can sometimes be unappreciative or even betray them.
On how to Assist a Priest;
Fr. Oyanoafoh urged the faithful to support their priests through:
Prayer: Deemed the most vital form of assistance, Material Support: Providing gifts, financial aid for their work, vehicles, and supporting their projects like book launches or music CDs, while on Care and Understanding: Protecting, understanding their vision and mission, supporting, and genuinely loving them.
On Respect and Obedience: He stated the need for the showing of respect, obeying their guidance, and offering advice born from experience, recognizing them as “elders of the church” by virtue of their office, regardless of age.
A Distinguished Path of Service and Scholarship:
Fr. Joseph Egharevba Ediae, born on May 1, 1977, was ordained a priest on July 3, 2010, by Most Rev. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji. His impressive journey includes immediate appointment as Parish Priest of St. Gregory Catholic Church, Iguedaiken, Ekiadolor, followed by further studies in Rome. Upon his return, he served as Parish Priest of Mary the Queen Catholic Church, Iguosa, and Director of St. Boniface Catechetical and Theological Centre. Currently, he is the Parish Priest of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ugbowo, and the Judicial Vicar of the Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Benin Province, overseeing several dioceses.
Fr. Ediae’s academic achievements are equally remarkable. After attending Iyobosa Primary School and St. Paul Minor Seminary, he initially pursued a diploma in accounting at the University of Benin before ultimately committing to his priestly vocation.
His extensive qualifications include a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Benin, a B.Th. from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum), and a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, among other diplomas.
He also holds a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of Benin and is currently pursuing a second doctoral degree in the same discipline.
Fr. Oyanoafoh further lauded Fr. Ediae’s dedication, stating, “I am therefore not surprised that today he would be launching a book entitled, The Participation of the Lay Faithful in the Tria Munera Christi.” He commended Fr. Ediae’s fifteen years of noble service, acknowledging the countless lives he has touched and transformed. The homilist concluded with a prayer for continued blessings, mission, and unwavering faith for Fr. Ediae, encouraging him to persevere in his “precious ministry” and to continue radiating his “good reputation, outstanding faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls and wisdom like King Solomon.”
