Rejection, Death of Young Nigerian Priest Inspires Book Series Reflecting on Purpose, Gratitude and Service

In brief

Father Kenneth Ogonna Agwu has released a three-volume book series reflecting on his first ten years of ministry, inspired by the sudden death of a young colleague. During a public presentation in Abuja on September 9, Agwu introduced the trilogy, which includes the titles Oderaa, Quaeso Manus, and In Vinea Domini.

Agwu, the parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi Galadimawa Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, said the death of Father Michael Akawu served as a turning point. Akawu, the first indigenous Gbagyi priest of the Abuja Archdiocese, died less than two years after his ordination. Agwu, who also serves as the general secretary of the Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests' Association for the Abuja Archdiocese, noted that Akawu's death prompted him to document his own experiences and consider what Akawu might have written had he lived longer.

The interconnected books explore themes of purpose, gratitude, and service. The first volume, Oderaa, uses an Igbo expression meaning "once God has written" to express Agwu's belief in God's purpose for his journey. The series aims to help readers discover their purpose, recognize those who support their journey, and use their gifts to serve others.