“BITTERSWEET” was the way Deacon Anthony Ekpo described the February 26 departure to his homeland Nigeria.
He returned with Deacons JohnBosco Ofor and Augustine Obi.
The three of them have been taking part in formation at Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary, Banyo, and ministering in parishes before and after their ordination to the transitional diaconate last year.
The formation and ministry was in response to a 2006 agreement between Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane and Bishop Lucius Ugorji of Umuahia diocese, in Nigeria, to assist with a shortage of priests in Brisbane archdiocese.
While the months among the people in Brisbane archdiocese “flew by” Deacon Ekpo was quick to relay what he would miss.
“I will miss the people of the Brisbane church,” he said.
“(But) I will be reunited with my family and friends in Nigeria … and will continue preparing for ordination.”
Seminary rector Monsignor Tony Randazzo admitted to feeling “saddened” by the farewell but was looking forward to attending the ordination in Nigeria in June.
Deacon Ekpo had recently served in Clayfield parish, saying the community had given him “a quiet but special farewell”.
He spoke of friendships formed in other parishes since his arrival in 2007, including in Petrie and Sunnybank.
Also arriving in 2007 was Deacon Obi.
Since the transitional diaconate ordination he served in Banyo Nundah parish and has enjoyed placements in Gatton-Rosewood-Laidley and on the Gold Coast.
The Banyo Nundah community farewelled Deacon Obi on February 20 at all four weekend Masses and at two morning teas.
He spoke glowingly of the “unconditional acceptance” experienced there and particularly of the “brotherly support and example” offered by parish priest Fr Paul Chandler.
Fr Chandler also spoke warmly of Deacon Obi’s presence.
“I admire the fact that he left his country to undertake formation,” Fr Chandler said to Mass-goers.
“I certainly couldn’t have done that.”
The northside pastor assured Deacon Obi of the prayerful support of Banyo Nundah parishioners.
Deacon Ofor arrived for formation in Brisbane archdiocese in 2008.
His final placement was in the St Stephen’s Cathedral parish, one which he said allowed him to “experience the best there is of liturgy”.
“It was a wonderful community to be in,” Deacon Ofor said.
“The dynamics were always changing and there’s no doubt if you took a look at the people at Mass, all Brisbane deaneries would be represented.”
Deacon Ofor said he would miss “the multiculturalism” of the diocese.
“It’s really quite striking how so many cultures come together here,” he said.
He also spent time in Beaudesert parish, allowing an appreciation of “a more rural” community.
With bags packed and at the ready the seminarians were joined for a meal by Archbishop Bathersby, spending the time reminiscing and sharing hopes for the future, including a possible return to the archdiocese for priestly ministry.
