Balancing a hectic priestly life with personal interest is essential for maintaining overall well-being and fulfillment Fr. Peter did not just bury himself in his priestly endeavours but at the early stage of his life made Sports, Reading, and Traveling his hobbies.
Sports: A Volleyball Player
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”- Anonymous. A balanced life that includes leisure and recreation is important for maintaining mental and physical well- being. Fr. Peter’s priesthood journey is not only marked by spirituality but also intertwined with a passion for physical fitness and a love for volleyball. This unique combination of faith and sport has set him on a remarkable path of service to his parishioners, especially in all the parishes he pastored in the United States of America, he was known as a volleyball player. Inspired by his love for the game, he took it upon himself to establish sand volleyball courts in every parish he has pastored including All Saints and St. James Parishes in the United States of America. This seemingly simple act has had profound effects on the communities While he may not deliver sermons from the courts, the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and unity that volleyball represents align seamlessly with the teachings of love, compassion, and togetherness that are central to his ministry believes that faith isn’t confined to the walls of a church; it extends to every aspect of a person’s life, including their leisure activities. By introducing volleyball to his parishes, He fosters a sense of unity, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among parishioners. The sand courts have become gathering places. People from all walks of life come together, transcending age, social status, and cultural backgrounds. The courts have become places where friendships are formed, problems are shared, and joys are celebrated. The camaraderie built on the courts often carries over into the pews, where parishioners find it easier to connect and support one another spiritually.
Junior Seminary Days : Fr. Peter was engaged in sports right from his middle school in the junior seminary under his rector Rev. Fr. W.J Dowling. He participated actively on discus, javelin and shotput. He represented St. Augustine’s Seminary in all seminary games in Okpala 1992 and obtained the first position in discus throw even though he was the youngest amongst the competitors.
Reading: “A man who reads is a man who travels through time and space, exploring worlds beyond imagination,” Jim Rohn’s saying. He keeps describing himself with the acronym (KFY) meaning Keep Enhancing Yourself. Reading is not Fr. Peter’s hobby, it is his way of life. He dedicates time each day to immerse himself in books even while driving through audiobooks from classic literature to contemporary non-fiction. People who know him will attest to his regular quote from Jim Rohn, his model. The insights from his reading journey inspired him to think creatively and strategically about how to proffer solutions to complex problems of mankind.
Fr. Peter’s love for reading has been constant throughout his life. He has devoured the writings of renowned authors such as Stephen Covey, John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar, Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie, Joyce Meyer, Jim Collins, Jack Canfield, Joel Osteen, etc. These books have not only provided him with valuable life lessons but have also shaped his philanthropic philosophy.
Stephen Covey, with his seminal work “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” taught him the importance of personal responsibility and the power of proactive living. Covey’s ideas resonated deeply with Fr. Peter, inspiring him to take a more active role in creating positive change in the world.
Jim Rohn’s wisdom on personal development and leadership added another layer to his philanthropic mindset. He learned that true success is not just measured by one’s financial status but by the positive impact one can make on the lives of others.
J.K. Rowling, the beloved author of the Harry Potter series, introduced him more to the transformative power of imagination and the importance of hope in the face of adversity. His philanthropic efforts, particularly through his Foundation influenced his desire to improve the lives of vulnerable people around him.
Travelling
St. Augustine said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page”. Traveling on the other hand has given him a broader perspective of the world. He believes that embracing cultural diversity and expressing different ways of life has made him more compassionate and understanding. He has explored over 12 countries, immersing himself in different cultures, landscapes, and perspectives. His travels have broadened his horizons and deepened his understanding of the world’s complexities. This exposure has also fueled his desire to effect change on a global scale. Every trip enriches his understanding of global challenges and reaffirms his commitment to making a positive difference.
Over the years he has traveled to the following places: Holy land, Rome, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France Portugal, Spain, Florence, Tuscany, Assisi, Venice, Honduras, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Bahamas, Ireland, Egypt, Hawaii and many states in USA of which he is a citizen.
