Upon his arrival in Rome on July 26, 2022, he was a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Onitsha. However, with the creation of the Diocese of Aguleri by Pope Francis on February 12, 2023, he became a seminarian for this new diocese, currently in Rome. He is in his third year of Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and lives at the international ecclesiastical college Sedes Sapientiae in Rome.

John Paul’s Vocation Story

A vocation born into a Catholic family in Nigeria, where he was guided in the faith from childhood. John’s vocation is deeply connected to that of his family. He was born into a devout Catholic family: his father is the late Mr. Godwin Chinedu Oraefo, and his mother, Mrs. Clementina Chinyere Oraefo, both of whom had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. He has two siblings: an older sister, Chinelo, and a younger brother, Onyeka.

“As children, my parents made sure we participated in the Block Rosary Crusade, a children’s movement inspired by the three shepherd children of Fatima. At the age of three, I attended these gatherings for the first time, where we prayed the Rosary every night. They also enrolled us in the Legion of Mary, which strengthened our relationship with God.”

Furthermore, after Sunday Mass, as a family, we would receive the priest’s blessing before returning home. I believe this practice ignited in me the desire to be a priest and bless people. I felt the call to the priesthood at the age of 6, and although it seemed strange for my age, my parents supported me, trusting in God’s will.

The Minor Seminary

While his classmates dreamed of becoming doctors, lawyers, or engineers, John Paul aspired to the priesthood. After finishing primary school, his parents applied for him to enter the All Hallows Seminary in Onitsha, which belonged to his archdiocese at the time.

“I took the entrance exams, was interviewed, and finally admitted. The new course at the minor seminary began on September 13, 2008. My enthusiasm was great, but I didn’t fully realize what it entailed: leaving my home and family, getting up at 5:00 a.m., punctually attending prayer and Mass, studying intensely, and developing new skills. At first it was difficult, but over time, I adapted thanks to the help of my formators and teachers.”

He graduated in 2014 and was sent for a year of pastoral work at St. Joseph Secondary School, Awkaetiti. Then, in 2015-2016, he served at St. Joseph Parish, Awada. During this time, on May 31, 2016, the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, his father passed away, marking a difficult moment in his journey.

From Africa to Rome

That same year, along with some companions, he was sent to St. Pius X Seminary, Akwukwu, for a year of spiritual formation. In 2017, he began his philosophical studies at the Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, Enugu, where he studied for four years. He then completed a year of pastoral work at the All Hallows Minor Seminary, Onitsha, where he received his primary formation.

“It was during this time that my bishop at the time, Bishop Valerian Okeke, spoke to me about the possibility of studying theology in Rome. Thanks to his support, I came to this city to continue my training. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity,” JohnPaul says.

The challenge of working in a newly created diocese

Studying in Rome, the center of Christianity, is a providential experience. One constantly perceives the richness of our Christian heritage, the universality of the Church under the guidance of the Pope, and the witness of the saints who gave their lives for the Gospel.

Furthermore, JohnPaul makes it clear: “The creation of the Diocese of Aguleri is also providential. It helps us strengthen the faith of Catholics, evangelize those who have not yet embraced the Gospel, and accompany young people who, due to cultural influence and secularism, are losing their faith.”

“Our bishop, Bishop Denis Isizoh, is deeply committed to these challenges, so my colleagues and I take our seminary formation very seriously to respond to this mission.”

Thanks to the supporters of the CARF Foundation

John Paul thanks God for having guided him this far. “I am grateful to my family, my bishops, formators, teachers, and supporters who have accompanied my vocational journey to the priesthood. I also thank the CARF Foundation for its support in the formation of priests around the world.”