Full Description
Providing effective leadership in Church and society is one of the most difficult human endeavors. It influences the dynamics and quality of social and spiritual life. The Church in the developing countries needs more than ever charismatic and prophetic leaders. Peter Damian Akpunonu - ordained a Catholic priest in 1966 at the young age of 23 - is one of the most outstanding seminary formators and influential Biblical scholars in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. His priestly golden jubilee provides occasion to reflect on his sterling qualities as a leader, an administrator and a pastor. This Festschrift also examines a wide spectrum of leadership models from biblical, historical and cultural perspectives. Seminary formation today needs urgent reform. Contemporary social challenges, including the potential retirement welfare crises for priests in Africa, are also crucial issues the Church has to address.
Contents
Contents: Martin Joe U. Ibeh: Short Profile of Peter Damian Akpunonu, G.M., S.T.D., L.S.S. (Rev. Fr.) - Patrick C. Chibuko: A Teacher and a Mentor: Reflections on Peter Damian's Days in Bigard Seminary and the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) - Matthew Obiekezie: Peter Damian Akpunonu: Rector in Catholic Institute of West Africa and Ecclesiastical Ambassador in United States - Ignatius M. C. Obinwa: The Biblical and African Orientations to Leadership - Augustine C. O. Oburota: Reforming Seminary Formation for Effective Pastoral and Spiritual Leadership - John Chike Akunyili: Providing Enabling Environment for Lay Participation in Priestly Formation: A Personal Reflection - Luke Emehiele Ijezie: Strengthening the Faint-Hearted: The Prophetic Mission in Isaiah 40-55 - Emmanuel U. Dim: Preaching the Gospel Without Ceasing: Jesus' Enduring Commission to His Disciples (Matt 28,16-20) - Martin Joe U. Ibeh: Gaudium et spes at 50: Integrating Social Mission into the Centre of Catholic Life in Nigeria - Hyacinth E. Ichoku: When Evening Comes: Thinking of Retirement of Priests in Nigeria.
