“The priesthood is not a career; it is a calling, and a calling requires the fullness of heart and soul.” St. Augustine

The December Retreat of the seminary community was a deeply enriching and transformative experience, marked by prayer, silence, self-examination, and profound spiritual instruction. At the heart of this retreat was Rev. Fr. Christopher Chukwueze, a priest of over 26 years and one of the pioneers of St. Bernard Hostel, whose presence, wisdom, and pastoral warmth left an indelible mark on all participants.

From the very first evening, Fr. Christopher set the tone for what would become a retreat rooted not merely in words, but in lived experience. His calm, reflective presence as he moved from the chapel to the refectory hinted at what soon became clear: this retreat would be shaped by stories drawn from faith, priestly life, and real human struggle. Approachable, engaging, and deeply human, Fr. Christopher used storytelling not as entertainment alone, but as a powerful medium for truth, correction, and vocation renewal

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The central theme of the retreat, “Living Actually Your Priesthood,” challenged seminarians to go beyond academic excellence and external observance. Fr. Christopher emphasized that while theological and philosophical studies are essential, they only find meaning when translated into real life, pastoral sensitivity, and personal holiness. Priesthood, he reminded us, is not a status but a daily commitment that must be consciously lived.

Drawing from the wisdom of Pope Benedict XVI, he reminded the community that God’s call is always an invitation one that requires a free and active “yes.” Such a response, he stressed, is nurtured in silence. In a world full of noise, only silence allows the voice of God to be truly heard and discerned. The oft-repeated seminary saying, “Tomorrow morning, you become a priest,” served as a sobering reminder that vocation is a daily responsibility, not a future event.

A significant portion of the retreat addressed the realities and struggles priests often face after ordination. Fr. Christopher spoke candidly about frustration in ministry and the illusion that changing assignments can solve inner problems. Without deep spiritual preparation, he warned, unresolved issues follow one wherever one goes. True renewal begins with honest self-examination.

One of the most striking moments of the retreat was Fr. Christopher’s retelling of Fr. Liberatus’ story of a drunkard a powerful illustration of denial and self-deception. When a man lying habitually in a gutter asked a seminarian, “What do people say I am?”, and received the blunt reply, “You are a drunkard,” the story exposed the destructive power of addiction and denial. This theme was expanded with reflections on alcoholism as a global problem that destroys families, vocations, and lives. Biblical and real-life examples reinforced the grave consequences of unchecked habits and self-deception.

Beyond alcohol, Fr. Christopher also addressed materialism as a subtle yet dangerous threat to priestly authenticity. Quoting Barack Obama“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but by what one owns”he warned against measuring success by possessions rather than purpose. True fulfillment, he insisted, comes from service, simplicity, and fidelity to one’s calling.

Another strong emphasis of the retreat was the danger of living in denial, especially denial of truth. Fr. Christopher challenged seminarians to be men of truth, resistant to self-deception and falsehood. “The worst problem,” he noted, “is the denial of truth.” Authentic priesthood demands honesty with oneself, God, and others.

One of the most moving moments came during Sunday Benediction, where Fr. Christopher’s deep reverence for the Eucharist and love for the seminary community were visibly evident. In the stillness of prayer, his joy, emotion, and spiritual passion spoke louder than words. That sacred moment revealed his profound attachment to priestly formation not merely as a duty, but as a vocation lived with love.

As the retreat drew to a close, Fr. Christopher summarized essential virtues for priestly growth: humility, openness, and willingness to change. He cautioned against arrogance, fixed mindsets, and resistance to correction. Growth, he reminded us, requires the courage to admit weakness and the humility to accept help. Mistakes are not failures, but stepping stones toward maturity and holiness.

In appreciation, the seminarians expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Christopher not with material wealth, but with prayers, respect, and a small token of appreciation. His retreat conferences were not marked by lofty rhetoric, but by truth conveyed through stories, Scripture, laughter, tears, and sincere self-giving.

As the seminary community departs for the holidays, the fruits of this retreat remain clear. We leave renewed, challenged, and reminded that we are not merely students, but men on a mission called to live the priesthood with authenticity, discipline, sacrifice, and love.

May God continue to strengthen Rev. Fr. Christopher Chukwueze, replenish his grace, and reward him abundantly for his faithful service to priestly formation.