VALEDICTORY SPEECH BY FR PREYE SAMSON PAUL
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
A VALEDICTORY SPEECH AND BLESSINGS TO MY SUCCESSOR, VERY REV. FR KINGSLEY OGBEJEJE, PH.D
- Today, as I formally relinquish my duties as Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for guiding me throughout my tenure. I thank God also for the extraordinary gifts of patience, prudence, resilience, determination, wisdom, and insight that enabled me to serve with a profound sense of integrity, understanding, and dedication.
- My heartfelt appreciation also goes to his Excellency, Most Rev. Dr Hyacinth Egbebo, MSP, whom I fondly call my Grandpa. His visionary leadership, paternal guidance, trust, and the confidence in me have been a tremendous source of strength, inspiration, and motivation. His selfless commitment to the Diocese has been a shining example to me, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving under his guidance.
- To the remarkable Priests, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese, I express my deepest gratitude for your well demonstrated support and encouragement. I am honoured to have served alongside such a dedicated and passionate community.
- As I reflect on my tenure, I acknowledge that I may have inadvertently stepped on some toes in my zeal to serve. I offer my sincerest apologies to those who may have been hurt or offended by my actions. I beg your pardon.
- Bathed in the radiant glow of this joyous moment, I am delighted to offer my Warmest felicitations to Very Rev. Fr Dr Kingsley A. Ogbejeje on his appointment as the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, effective from January 1, 2025. I pray that God’s abundant grace will empower him to build on the foundations laid in innovation and growth of our collective effort of spreading the Gospel and serving humanity with love, compassion, and patience.
- As I hand over the reins of leadership, I humbly request that we Priests, the Religious and Lay Faithful extend the same level of support, counsel, and cooperation to my successor. Your continued collaboration and commitment are crucial to the success of our Diocese.
- I have every confidence that Very Rev. Fr Dr Kingsley A. Ogbejeje will lead our Diocese to greater heights, and I look forward to witnessing the remarkable impact of his leadership.
- As I take my leave, I am reminded that each of us is uniquely gifted, and our styles of leadership differ, and I am confident he will excel in all ramifications by God’s grace.
- I wish him all the best. Accept my heartfelt gratitude, and I pray that God continue to bless and prosper our Diocese. Amen!
- Finally, for those who may want to know where I am going, I am the Priest in charge of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Okarki, Rivers State. I kindly request that you remember me in your prayers.
I wish you all a prosperous New Year in advance.
Very Rev. Fr Preye S. Paul
Outgoing Chancellor
Tuesday 31/12/2024
