Deacon Cornelius Omini, SMA
Deacon Cornelius Omini, SMA, entered religious life with the Society of African Missions in 2011. But his vocation as a missionary priest was ignited when he was a child, when he served as an altar server at his home parish. He tells us,
Ours is a diocesan parish, but religious priests are often invited to help on Sundays. I recall that one weekend we had a visit from a Nigerian SMA priest, Fr. Cajetan Metu. During his homily that Sunday, he greeted the people in five different international languages and immediately I fell in love with this priest and was eager to know about his congregation.
After Mass I approached him. His simplicity, while listening to my pressing questions, impressed me. It was through him I got to know the Society of African Missions and I wished to join.
When Deacon Cornelius entered in 2011, he learned about the SMA’s founder, Bishop Melchior de Marion Bresillac. Deacon Cornelius says, “His zeal and enthusiasm for the mission moved my heart, so that I too could give my life, leave home and family, for the sake of the work of God.”
Of his time with the SMAs, Deacon Cornelius says,
I have no regrets […]. I have felt love and acceptance from colleagues and priests in the SMA. This is a source of inspiration and blessing for me, my family, and my local church. I live every day with gratitude to the SMA and I continually commit myself to the service of God’s people as I prepare for missionary priesthood.
I ask you to remember me in your prayers.
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