VOCATIONS: Fr Fidelis reflects on the presence of priesthood

By Catherine Sheehan

For Richmond Parish Priest, Fr Fidelis Udousoro, priesthood is all about presence. Not only seeking God’s presence, but also being present with people through the events of their lives.

“The priesthood is really about the ministry of presence, being present,” said Fr Fidelis who has been a priest for almost eight years.

“Presence doesn’t only mean being present with God in prayer, but it means seeing God in and through everything that I do as a priest.

“When I serve the people in joyful sacraments, like marriage and baptism, God is there, when I serve them in some difficult and challenging sacraments, like funerals and anointing of the sick, God is also there.

“I don’t have all the answers but God who’s called me does have all the answers. And if I allow myself to be led by that grace, which has always been present, then that grace will be enough.”

When he was a boy growing up in Nigeria, it was the presence of a group of Irish missionary priests that first drew his attention to the priesthood as a possible vocation. It also sparked a desire to be a missionary.

“It was really powerful for me because some of those priests were in their 80s and 90s. They even died and were buried in my diocese.

“Not only did they carry out their ministry as priests, but they lived and served my people, and ate our food.”

He was also influenced by the presence and spiritual direction of his Parish Priest, Fr Justin Udofia.

“He was a very humble priest and I think a very holy priest as well.”

He began altar serving at age 12, giving him greater insight into the priesthood.

“Serving just meant you were a bit closer and you could see what they were doing.”

Following his desire to be a missionary, he joined the Oblates of St Joseph in 2010 after completing his secondary schooling. He left soon after however, as their ministry was only within the bounds of Nigeria. He wanted to be a missionary in a foreign land.

In 2014 he joined the Missionaries of God’s Love in Australia but once again found they were not quite the right fit.

“Navigating through all of that came with worry and uncertainty. That’s where good, spiritual directors like Fr Justin kept on encouraging me.”

He continued to feel a sense of peace in his heart when he thought of being a priest.

Eventually it was suggested to him that he could minister as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Hobart, where more priests were needed.

In May 2014 he entered Corpus Christi Seminary in Melbourne and began his studies.

He was ordained to the priesthood at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart on 14 September 2018, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Fr Fidelis describes the occasion as “a graceful experience”.

“I had my parents with me, they travelled from Nigeria and my two friends who also travelled from Nigeria, and the Nigerian community who turned up in their colourful dresses.”

Fr Fidelis said the support of his parents was pivotal in this vocation journey.

“The prayers of my mother and my father played a key role. They never stopped praying for me.”

Since his ordination, he has served at Bellerive-Lindisfarne, the Cathedral, Riverside, and Richmond.

Fr Fidelis said the priesthood “makes you closer to the spiritual needs of the people”.

“It just makes you more aware of what really matters as a human person.

“It reminds me of my true being, which is my relationship with God, and therefore, in my ministry, I try to be present to people in their relationship with God.”

“It’s a beautiful vocation. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

For enquiries regarding vocations to the priesthood, please contact Vocations Director, Fr Steven Smith on 0493 122 283 or at steven.smith@aohtas.org.au.