Fr. Denis Ononuju Obia ga, C.S.Sp., was a man who embodied the three cardinal virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. For a long time, I struggled to find the perfect title for this piece until I realized that nothing captures the essence of this holy priest better than these three virtues as outlined by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13.
Love (Charity) was never neglected in his life — rather, it was the foundation upon which his faith and hope stood firm.
A Life of Exemplary Virtue
Fr. Denis was among the first set of indigenous Holy Ghost priests ordained in Nigeria in 1965. He was a seed of pure missionary zeal. He learnt and worked directly with the Holy Ghost missionaries. He saw how many of them were ready to die for the gospel, the sacrifices they made to live and survive in Africa amidst mosquitoes, bad water, and harsh climate conditions.
On one hand, this experience shaped his missionary zeal of self-sacrifice. On the other, it instilled in him a deep spirit of love and self-giving.
Let us look at how this holy priest portrayed these exemplary virtues:
a. Charity (Love): Fr. Ononuju was a man filled with so much love for humanity. When Christ said that “No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13), He was speaking of Fr. Denis. He was a humble servant of God — a martyr of love. He gave his all — time, talent, and treasure — for the work of God.
As Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Owerri, Fr. Denis worked assiduously in the spread of the gospel. Amidst tough and demanding pastoral assignments, he began the charitable work of caring for young pregnant girls, many of whom were victims of the Nigerian civil war (1967–1970). With the approval of the Bishop, he started a religious congregation of women to assist in this noble task. This female institute has grown to become — The Holy Family Sisters of the Needy, founded on 19th March, 1983.
b. Faith: I worked as a student bursar under Nnanyi (a favorite name we called him). He was ready to give to every poor and needy person who came asking. He had blind trust in God. He was actually asking God for “daily bread.”
He never missed his Divine Office, not even under the pain of sickness, travel, or old age. He saw rosary processions and daily rosary recitation as essential.
c. Hope: This love and faith gave birth to an unprecedented hope in Fr. Denis. At the ripe old age of 73, when many of his colleagues were already in retirement homes, some dead, some weak and waiting, this gallant soldier of Christ attempted to begin another religious institute — a male congregation.
His hope was immeasurable. Even at old age, he struggled to help form new candidates for what has now become The Holy Family Fathers and Brothers of the Youth.
The Wise Sayings of Nnanyi Ononuju Obia ga, C.S.Sp.
On Chastity and Purity of Life
- Chastity is like a fire in your hands, don’t play with it. A broken egg cannot be made whole, guard your egg.
- You cannot eat your cake and have it.
- Once you notice a signal (nwa m gba ama, nwam, take to your heels).
- The dog should not eat the bone on its neck.
- Mortification is a greater aid to chastity.
- Love and peaceful family/community life are guides to chastity upheld “TT”.
On Duties and Responsibilities
- Once the dancing attire is fitted on, the legs are charged on dance — practice what you learnt.
- Arduous work and alacrity makes a beggar a giver.
- Diligence in one’s duty earns a greater reward.
- He who does well the apostolate to the poor and the needy will never lack.
- Be happy being busy in God’s vineyard.
- When you enjoy the fruit of your labour, no one has the right to question the wag of your mouth.
- No child is a bad boy. Train your child well and you will not regret it.
On Love, Charity and Forgiveness
- My children, God is love! Love and do whatever you want.
- Love will make you grow wings that will accommodate all.
- Give to the poor from what you need and not from your excesses.
- Try to develop woman’s heart, the heart of love that you may love.
- You cannot give what you don’t have.
- If you can’t love, pretend to love and you will be used to loving.
On Humility, Obedience, Respect and Patience
- God will increase and I will decrease.
- God is everything.
- A child does not rub shoulders with his father.
- Whoever lifts up his father will be blindfolded with the father’s wrapper.
- A chicken does not bet a cow; know your level.
- Do not grow a hard skin, and do not take for granted your father’s corrective measures.
On Faithfulness, Prayer, and Perseverance
- Faith in God is the bed rock of our Christian life.
- Have a child-like confidence in God, you will not be disappointed.
- God does not deceive. God does not fail.
- He that has his Father’s support, does not entertain fear.
- Endurance will win you a prize.
- He who eats “Ukazi leaf” with me will eat with me the goat head.
- Prayer and trust in God is the secret of my success.
- “Our Lord’s prayer”, “Our Father” is ever effective — pray it meditatively.
- When every other thing fails, prayer sustains us.
- If the lizard avoids the tree the children makes it their prey.
- Have a child-like confidence in God, you will not be disappointed.
- My children, our Church is good, her teachings excellent. (Uhum, uka anyi amaka, nkuzi ya amaka).
- If you must follow Christ, you must follow him closely.
Conclusion Fr. Denis Ononuju Obia ga (Nnanyi) has left a lasting legacy of faith, hope, and charity. He now rests in heaven after a life well spent in the service of God and humanity. May his exemplary life continue to inspire many.
Compiled by Chukwudi Peter Idehen, HFFBY
