Recently ordained friar receives a hero’s welcome from his hometown
Author: Br. Raphael Ozoude III, OFM
Date Published: March 04, 2026
Editors Note: Four months after his ordination, Br. Raphael Ozoude III, OFM, who serves at Transfiguration Parish in Southfield, Michigan, traveled to Nigeria for a heart-warming homecoming celebration. He was born in Los Angeles but raised in the vibrant West African nation. He describes in his own words how family, friends and community members rallied together to show their tremendous gratitude to God for his vocation to the priesthood and religious life. During his visit, he celebrated four Masses of Thanksgiving in places that hold special meaning for him.
Two
days after my arrival in Lagos, Nigeria, I celebrated my first Mass of
Thanksgiving at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church My parents
married there over 30 years ago, and I spent a significant portion
of my childhood there, serving as an altar server. The church was full
and provided overflow seating outside. The concelebrants included former
pastors from the parish and neighboring parishes, a priest I have known
since childhood, as well as the former and current principal and
chaplain of my high school. They were particularly happy because I am
the first alumnus
to be ordained a priest. The national television network in Nigeria,
National Television Authority, was present to cover the Mass and
reception, and they interviewed me, my parents, and a few other
parishioners.
Toward the end of the Mass, I was asked to bless all the priests, my parents, the committee that planned the Mass and the reception, and all the faithful. People were particularly touched to see priests kneel in front of me to ask for a blessing and were happy to be blessed by one of their own whom they have known since childhood.
A short time later, I traveled to Enugu, Nigeria, which is my ancestral homeland, for three more Thanksgiving Masses. As we were driving, I was pleasantly surprised to see my picture on a billboard announcing my Mass of Thanksgiving. During this community-wide celebration, my entire family wore clothing specially made for the Mass. It was very beautiful to behold and very touching to see their dedication.
Br. Raphael celebrated four Masses of Thanksgiving in Nigeria following his ordination to the priesthood last year. He was born in Los Angeles, but he was raised in Nigeria, where the community welcomed him back with much prayer, joy and love. (Courtesy photo)
Their Mass of Thanksgiving
I am the first priest and the first religious in our large and devout family, and so this was not only my Mass of Thanksgiving but their Mass of Thanksgiving because of what the Lord has done for us. The Mass was beautiful. There was a special choir brought in from another city. There were several priests present who came to celebrate with me and offer their support. Those who were not able to come for the Mass visited me in the following days to celebrate with me and congratulate me.
My entire family participated in a joyful celebration at the offertory, and I had the joy of blessing them all, including my maternal grandparents who were able to attend in spite of their advanced age. The entire church was packed. The whole community came to celebrate. There were also some children who received their first Holy Communion from me, and so I will be praying for them as they helped make the day special.
Dancing and singing for joy
After Mass, there was an initial reception at the parish hall, and then a second, very large reception at my family's home. The compound was decorated and pictures of me were placed around an elaborate red carpet. After dessert, my elderly grandmother stood to dance while holding her walking cane in one hand. My family, especially my cousins, really made the occasion fun for everyone as they put on their dancing shoes (or took their heels off) and kept dancing and singing for joy.
Seeing from heaven
Two days later, I had another Mass of Thanksgiving, this time for the extended family only. The entire occasion was once again filled with joy as we all celebrated the fact that God has finally given our family a priest. After the Mass, I went to the graves of my departed grandparents and blessed them. They were very holy and devout and would have loved to see one of their own ordained, but now they can see from Heaven, while I bless them from earth.
The next day, I celebrated one more Mass of Thanksgiving, this time at my maternal grandparents’ home for my family. I blessed the entire compound, including my uncle’s grave, and of course I blessed the people. The Mass was followed by a reception. That evening, given that it was New Year’s Eve, I celebrated Mass for the family as we crossed over into the new year.
The entire trip to Nigeria was busy but I will always cherish it. It was filled with immense goodness and outpourings of love from more people than I can count. I felt truly loved and valued and will continue to pray for all of them.