By Joan Zombek
On the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Old Testament reading from Kings and St. Luke’s Gospel highlighted themes of thanking and praising God. On that note, we were honored and blessed to host, a former classmate of Father Williams and now his superior.
Bishop Julius was accompanied by Bishop Habila Daboh of Zaria and Fr. Ishaya Samaila, Parochial Vicar at St. Clement of Rome and Our Lady of Lourdes. The bishops journeyed to Arizona from Nigeria for a pastoral visit with their priests who are serving here, but Bishop Julius also had another reason for honoring us with his presence.
Earlier this year Fr. Williams asked for our financial support for two very important building construction projects in his home diocese: The Bishop Bagobiri Memorial School, an elementary education center, and The Chancery for the Diocese of Kafanchan, the diocesan headquarters. Parishioners responded generously without reservation, contributing more than $25,000 to this campaign. Bishop Julius came in person to express his gratitude in making these projects possible.
After leading parishioners and guests in the “Prayer for Nigeria in Distress,” Fr. Williams invited Bishop Habila to reflect on his visit to the United States. The bishop commented that he was moved by the fervent prayer and response on behalf of our people for a place that most of us would never visit, and also by our eagerness to assist in their ministry in their home country.
Bishop Julius briefly recounted his time as parochial vicar in Arizona, serving with Deacons Jeff and Mike at Our Lady of the Lake. He commented on the “sisterly” relationship between the Phoenix and Kafanchan Dioceses that allows Nigeria’s priests to serve the needs of our Catholic communities. He expressed his profound gratitude for the love and support Arizona’s Catholics demonstrate through their financial gifts. These gifts help provide an environment where Nigerian “children will have a safe place to learn and grow” amidst the atmosphere of instability, poverty and violence.
Bishop Julius and Father Williams concelebrated two Sunday Masses, followed by a noontime reception hosted by the Seton Women’s Society in the bishop’s honor. The reception proceeded with clergy and parishioners seated at autumn-themed tables set with floral centerpieces created by Lyz. The buffet lunch which was provided and served by the Seton Society members included many freshly made salads and tea sandwiches.
At the meal’s conclusion, the parishioners’ only question seemed to be how they could financially support Bishop Julius’ and Fr. Williams’ home diocese. Fr. Williams disclosed that the cost of educating Nigerian seminarians is different than in the United States and recollected that his seminary education was sponsored by a “German woman.” That prompted many attendees to offer this same support since many men desire to enter the priesthood in Nigeria. Father let us know that there will be opportunities in the future to work through the Phoenix Diocese to provide financial support to the Diocese of Kafanchan. He reiterated that he is very happy and comfortable in our parish and thanked us once again for welcoming him and caring for him like family, remarking that we all hope that this relationship can continue for a long time into the future.
