Lagos- Some Catholic Priests in Lagos on Monday described the oldest serving priest, Monsignor Patrick Somide, as a man of “courage, friendly, and compassionate,’’ who had distinguished himself in virtue and character.
The priests spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the 60th priestly ordination anniversary of Somide held at the Church of Resurrection, Catholic Church, Magodo, Lagos.
The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, said that Somide approach to life and its challenges has made the oldest living priest the person he was today.
“Monsignor Somide is a man of courage; he is friendly, compassionate and makes things happen; the young find in him a reliable and loving friend.
“Indeed, God has blessed you with much and in return he has used you as instrument to touch others in so many ways.
“To have spent sixty years therefore in the service of the lord deserves celebration.
“May God continue to keep you going and may He crown you with eternal reward.
“Your kind heartedness, your friendliness and zeal for God’s work made you the person you are today,’’ Okogie said.
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, said that Somide has distinguished himself in virtue, character and especially in devotion to the service of the Lord for sixty good decades.
“Sixty years in the life of a man is a major landmark, more so if that life has been spent in whole-hearted service of God’s people as a priest.
“You have been a blessing to the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, therefore we give thanks to God and our prayer is that God through whom and for whom all good things are accomplished will reward you.
Martins commended Somide for his pioneering role in propagating devotion to Saint Rita which has been of great benefit to many faithful.
Also the Vicar-General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor John Aniagwu, prayed that the Lord would continue to keep and protect Somide.
“The first priestly ordination I ever witnessed was on the Dec. 8, 1954, the candidate was Rev. Somide; the event took place at Race-Course, Lagos and it left a lasting impression on my childhood.
“How heartwarming it is to be able to witness the 60th anniversary of that event, it gives me immense pleasure to salute Monsignor Somide,’’ he said. (NAN)