- Describes priesthood as a pot pourri of interesting moments…
It will be a joint celebration as plans have been concluded for the 20th priestly ordination anniversary of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Smart Inyang, ordained for the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Cross River State on July 12th, 2003.
This event, scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 15th, 2023, will begin with the celebration of mass at the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Ugep, Yakurr LGA, Cross River State from 10am.
Following immediately will be the installation ceremony of the clergyman as the 6th President of the Rotary Club of Ugep. This latter event will hold at the Yakurr Local Government Guest House Auditorium from 12pm.
Contacted to comment on his 20th priestly anniversary, Inyang maintained to www.calitown.com that, “looking back this past two decades, it has been a harvest of praises and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness, because it has not been easy.”
He also added that, “coming from a non Catholic background and abandoning university education for the priesthood, strained my relationship with my family, but I thank God that eventually consent was given after my spiritual year experience. The major seminary experience was also worthwhile and thrilling. But I can assure you that until the last day you are never sure of ordination, but I am still in awe that God on July 12, 2003, elevated me to the order of the sacred priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. Since then, it has been a “doughnuts” experience with the challenges that come with the office; some difficult moments, some hopeful moments, a few emotional and traumatic experiences wrapped in great moments as well as the impactful experiences that have thickly lined my priestly journey. Looking back 20 years down the road, I can say loudly that it has been a pot pourri of interesting moments with no regrets. I can assure you that sincerely, the priesthood is not a place to go and make money and compete with your friends in other disciplines. It is a call to offer service to mankind through the instructional instruments God disposes you to.”
On his installation as the sixth President of the Rotary Club of Ugep, he insisted that, “Rotary is a service organization with a community oriented spirit just like the Catholic Church. Both organizations target society’s poor with the singular intention of bringing hope to them through deliberate transformation. Yes there will be challenges on the job, but I will squarely face these challenges because after all, every job has its challenges. The most important thing for me is to deliver on the job and bring succour to the people we directly come in contact with or those who feel the impact of our Rotary effort and journey, from afar.”
For what programmes he plans to pursue as President, Inyang explained that basic education and literacy, water and sanitation related activities, economic and community development, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health programmes, peace and conflict prevention/resolution activities as well as supporting environmental-centred programmes, will be the main focus of his presidency.
Outside his pastoral work, Fr. Inyang is a lecturer at the Cross River State College of Education, Awi – Akamkpa LGA.
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