O G B E N I K A ' S
C O R N E R
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NE DAY LATE LAST SPRING, in a parish on the West Coast of Central Florida, a young
Nigerian priest arrived fresh from Rome and a new Ph.D. He came at the
invitation of the parish’s pastor to fill in over the vacation months, before
returning in the fall to new duties in Nigeria. His name is Gregory Ebalu Ogbenika. He
had served the parish in this fashion the previous summer so he was well known, which
is doubtless why the pastor joked with the congregation to “fasten your seat belts!”
when he announced Fr. Greg’s return visit.
Don’t misunderstand. Fr. Greg is truly admired by the pastor and much loved by the
people. What won him the playful remark is the quiet passion Fr. Greg brings into his
service to the Lord and his Church. For one, there’s the way he could break out into a
little love song to God, right in the middle of his homily. Or the way his homilies urged
the people to stretch out their faith. Or the simple, moving way he prayed before the
Blessed Sacrament during Adoration. Or that he seems able to do so much without
looking busy, like the fact that over the few months he was here, he managed to have
one book published and another sent on its way. Or this other interesting fact that over
the summer he put together two CD’s of the most moving songs, songs of love and
praise to Jesus and to Mary, songs he wrote, sang and had professionally taped six years
earlier while in seminary in Nigeria. Along with him sings an accomplished chorus of
Nigerian youth he pulled together and trained for the purpose, together with
talented instrumentalists. This music you'll agree is a real treat..
We hope someday soon the CD’s will become available, but meanwhile enjoy these selections.
(PLEASE WAIT FOR THE DOWNLOAD)
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The book Fr. Greg published this summer is entitled The Idea of Spirit in African
Philosophy. The slim volume reflects interesting research on the widespread phenomena
of spirit in traditional African cultures. The book is now available on Amazon.com (in
the US) and on Amazon.co.uk (Europe).
Click here for a look at the book’s Introduction.
For more of Fr. Ogbenika's music, click here.
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