Fr. Peter Sunday Omogo was born on 1st November 19..3 to the family of Omogo Eze in Ikpomkpuma village, Umuogudu Oshiia, Ngbo, …vu LGA of Ebonyi State. His parents were not Christians as Christianity was not rampant in his village at his time, nevertheless father Peter’s mother converted to Christianity when her husband passed away. His father Chief Omogo Eze and wife Goodness Omogo raised him well. He started his primary education at Ab…ary school and completed it at Ukpeshi Primary School.
During his childhood, one could often find him in the role of a priest, even at a tender age, when he stayed with his brother, Iyginus Omogo. His youthful devotion to God was manifested through creative playacting, where he celebrated makeshift masses, using digestive biscuits as the host and coke as the altar wine. This early inclination toward the priesthood was nurtured during his extended vacation with his late brother, Samuel Omogo, in Abakaliki. Samuel keenly observed the deep admiration his younger brother had for the priesthood, as he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to serving Mass, leading Block Rosary sessions, and participating in the Legion of Mary. Samuel recognized this fervor and took it upon himself to facilitate his enrollment into St. Augustine’s Seminary in Ezzangbo for his secondary school education.
DESERT TO GARDEN
The flames of his holy journey were first ignited by Irish priests who were serving in the then-Ogoja Diocese, which is now known as the Abakaliki Diocese. It was Fr. Ketrick who baptized him and administered his first Holy Communion, marking the beginning of his profound connection to the priesthood. Throughout his journey, he encountered other influential Irish priests, such as Frs. Melican and Leo Sullivan, former parish priest, and Fr. William J. Dowling, who served as his Rector during his time in the junior seminary. These Irish priests became not only his spiritual guides but also his academic and social role models, shaping his path towards priesthood.
Upon completing his secondary education, he embarked on his first apostolic work at St. John’s Parish Okpaugwu. During his apostolic work at St. John Parish Okpaugwu, he met Fr. Peter Chukwu now Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese who turned to be his senior brother and mentor. Fr. Peter Chukwu was on his first assignment as a priest then. Even though the meeting was just for few months but that friendship that started in 1994 has continued for twenty-nine years now. Fr. Peter continued his apostolic work at St. Michael College Oshiri where he served under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Ozofor. He was one of the pioneer teachers. His dedication and exceptional performance during this pastoral work led to an excellent recommendation from Rev. Fr. Ozofor, which subsequently paved the way for his admission to the prestigious the Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu where he would pursue his philosophical studies.
His journey of faith and service continued as he moved on to Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Afikpo for a year of internship apostolic work after his philosophical studies. The dedication and passion he brought to his role were evident, and his contributions to the hospital community left a lasting impact. Following this experience, he returned to Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu to delve into his theological studies, marking another significant step on his path to priesthood. At every step of Peter’s seminary training, his leadership and managerial talents shone brightly, making him stand out for various roles. He swiftly assumed the role of class prefect in Theology One showcasing his knack for organizing and leading his peers. Getting to Theology Two he was made the canteen manager. He expanded the canteen and had about five seminarians working with him. Peter’s ascent continued up to Theology Three and Four where he excelled in his work at the Theology Dean’s Office making exceptional impacts.
In 2001, he was appointed a lector, entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God. The following year, in 2002, he received the ministry of acolyte, a role that deepened his engagement with the liturgy and the Eucharist. In 2003, he reached the milestone of diaconate, signifying his preparation for the sacred priesthood.
Throughout his priestly training, he was called to serve in various parishes and locations each contributing to his growth and spiritual development. Some of the parishes and places he served include:
I. Corpus Christi Nkalagu
II. St. Thereasa’s Cathedral Abakaliki
III. Christ the King’s Parish Amachi
IV. St. Paul’s Parish Uburu
V. St. Thomas Nwofe
VI. St. Joseph’s Parish Mgbidi, Imo State
VII. Holy Trinity Parish Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo
His dedication and commitment to his pastoral work continued to shine through, earning him respect and admiration from the communities he served.
In each of these locations, he shared his faith, provided pastoral care, and became an integral part of the local communities. In his lifelong dedication to the priesthood, he exemplifies the values instilled in him by the Irish priests who initially inspired this path. Their spiritual guidance, academic mentorship, and social influence continued to shape his ministry, reminding him of the profound impact individuals can have on another’s journeys of faith. As he serves in various parishes and communities, he carries forward the torch of faith that was lit in his childhood and nurtured by the support and guidance of those who recognized his calling to the priesthood.
