Encomiums As Very Rev. Fr. Abiriyi Celebrates 40th Anniversary Priestly Ordination

By Shabanyan Kantiok

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The 40th priestly Anniversary celebration of Very Rev. Father Emmanuel Dangiwa Abiriyi, a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna has come and gone with several encomiums by the clegy, religious and laity on the amiable life of the iconic priest over the decades

The thanksgiving Mass/ celebration which held at the Queen of Apostles parish, Kakuri, on Monday, was organized in honour of the celebrant by his ex- students at the minor seminary;, who are now priests.

Speaking at the celebration, Catholic Bishop of Zaria Doicese, His Lordship Bishop George Dodo described the celebrant as someone who knows what is expected of him as a priest, he further affirmed that” Fr Emmanuel Abiriyi is someone who always keep good relationship with his fellow Priests and People of God in and outside the Archdiocese of Kaduna”.

Bishop Dodo further called on aspiring priests and young priests to emulate the life of Fr Emmanuel Abiriyi by putting the work of God first above any other worldly things.

Similarly, Rev Fr Ede Emmanuel from Kafanchan Diocese stated that Fr Abiriyi was his Rector at the minor seminary, “take him as a father, mentor and he is a hard-working priest who’s struggling to live his priestlyy life to the full, despite his human weaknesses” he said

In the same vein, Very Rev Fr Peter Tanko Bauna, also said the celebrant “is a prayerful Priest, who is always close to the blessed sacrament, which is what we are always encouraged to do, that is why everywhere he goes, he built a small place where people can go for adoration, he believes in the power of the blessed sacrament” he added

He then admonished young Priests to be committed to Jesus, spend more time in the Holy Eucharist, to be disciplined in their calling and to live a life of prayers, “which we were taught in the seminary and that is what we are asked to do always as Priests”.he averred

On his part, Rev Fr Stanley Shinkut who graduated from St Joseph minor seminary under Fr Abiriyi when he was a Rector, described him “as someone who is very jovial, easy going person, but very principled and disciplined, he takes his priestly work very serious”, He further stated that his love for adoration chapel is out of this world.

Furthermore, Sis Linda Abakasa Bagayang, confirmed to NewsdailyNigeria that Rev Fr Emmanuel Abiriyi “has been my father when I got admission into the convent, by discerning me through out my formative years to understanding the religious life and till today he has been my guide and father”.

Similarly, Fr Ibrahim Dominic Mendos who worked under Rev Fr Abiriyi at St Anthony of Padua as his first place of assignment after his ordination and comfirmed that he has learnt a lot and also encouraged him with his prayer life and exposed him through the work God has called him to do.

Recall that Very. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Abiriyi Dangiwa, was ordained priest on the 14th of February 1982 by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, at Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna, he is marking his 40th anniversary alongside Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Peter Tanko Bauna, Very. Rev. Fr. Peter Ali Yakubu and Very. Rev. Fr. Prof. Dominic Oliagba among Others

It was further gathered that, Very Rev Fr Emmanuel Abiriyi Dangiwa secured admission into St. Augustine major seminary Jos, after he resigned from the Nigerian Railway Corporation on the 6th of December 1976, today he is already 40 years in the full time of God’s work. Fr Abiriyi advices younger priest to be closer to God and do their work honestly and earnestly.

The celebration was crowned with a book launch written by the celebrant titled; “Towards an Adult faith”. Which was inspired by the Holy spirit. Very Rev Fr Emmanuel Abiriyi is currently a Parish Priest of St Anthony Padua Catholic Church Romi with its outStation, as Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Gbagyi Villa Kaduna.