September 3, 2020

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I came back from morning Mass on Friday, August 19, 2020 and I found the package in the enclosed pictures in my room. I thought I was in the wrong room at first. I knew it was not my birthday, it was not my ordination anniversary, and my graduation is far ahead. When I began to open the package, I realized that it was you, my beloved parishioners reminding me of how much you love me. I commented to Angela (Parish Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper) that “I am just being myself, unknown to me that parishioners see it as something worth appreciating.”

A few days before I got the surprise package from you, I gave a talk to the faculty and staff of Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP), and another talk to the Seminarians studying at USD. On each occasion, I shared how I initially wanted to become a Jesuit Priest because of my passion for science and teaching. But I later changed my mind when I realized that as a Jesuit Priest, I could be sent on mission outside of Nigeria. All I heard and read about racism in Europe and America made me not to desire going on mission outside of Nigeria. I figured out that the smartest way to escape being sent on mission to Europe or America was to become a diocesan priest in Nigeria. And so, after High School Seminary, I applied to Idah Diocese in Nigeria and began my College Seminary formation.

It is often said that “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” Less than a week after my first anniversary of ordination as a diocesan priest, my Bishop invited me to his office and informed me that he was sending me on mission to the United States. Hmmmm! I told him that I promised obedience at my ordination and so I would go wherever he sent me. But when I got to my room, I wept profusely all night. I had many concerns; it seemed my dream about a flourishing ministry in my home country was just taken away from me just in one moment. Topmost of all my concerns was racism.

After about two years and few months of paperwork, I left Nigeria and arrived at Sacred Heart of Ocean Beach at the end of May 2012. I shared with the two groups I mentioned earlier (OLP faculty/staff and Seminarians) that in as much as I do not deny the existence of racism, I can confidently say that racism is not part of my experience at Sacred Heart Church of Ocean Beach. I told them that I live in Ocean Beach, and that at Sacred Heart, I am swimming in an ocean of love.
On July 19th this year, I turned twelve years in the Catholic priesthood, and eight of these years have been at Sacred Heart and still counting, by the grace of God. Thank you for who I am becoming with you and for you. May God meet you all at your points of needs. Amen.

My Dear Family, I thought of replying to your messages individually, but there were many of the messages that came as anonymous, that is why I am sending a general message so as not to leave anyone out. I may not know you all by name, but God, in whose name you have shown me this love knows you all by name and He will reward you in superabundance.

I would like to add at this point that all that I am currently doing at Sacred Heart is with the understanding, approval, and support of Fr. Tom. I say “Ahinya” (that is “thanks” in my first language) to Fr. Tom for being such a trusting and loving older brother to me. May God speed up and perfect your recovery that we may continue to actualize our great dreams for the parish that we already talked about.

My Dearly Beloved in Christ, “I thank my God each time I think of you, and when I pray for you, I pray with joy.”

I love you dearly.
Your brother,

Fr. Emmanuel Ochigbo