Meet the Students

 

John Ikechukwu Echewodo

I am from Saint Michael’s Catholic Parish, Ariam Ikwuano. Abia State, Nigeria. I studied philosophy in Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, from where I obtained a Bachelor Degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome and the Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.I have also completed my first year of studies in Sacred Theology at Saint Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

I have a Mother, five brothers, an elderly sister, and a twin sister.

I am currently undergoing further Seminary formation at the Holy Spirit Seminary at Wavell Heights and further academic studies in Theology at the Brisbane College of Theology, Queensland, Australia, from where I would be ordained for the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, Australia.

I believe with every degree of certainty, that I would lose nothing serving God as a Priest, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. I believe too that in this noble vocation are the doors of life widely opened and the great potentials of authentic human existence truly revealed. Hence, I feel so happy coming to Australia and I entrust my life and vocation into the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Mantle of Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo

My name is Anthony Ekpo. I was born on 24th of September, 1981 at Umudike in Ikwuano Local Government, Abia State, Nigeria. I entered the minor Seminary (which is a high school for young people who want to become priest) at the age of twelve, and during my minor Seminary days the zeal to become priest continued to grow stronger in me. I obtained a Bachelor degree in Philosophy from Pontifical Urban University, Rome and a Bachelor of Arts Sciences from Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. I also obtained a National and Higher National Diploma from International Institute of Journalism, Owerri, Nigeria. Today I am continuing my theological studies at Holy Seminary in Brisbane, Australia.

I have really enjoyed and still enjoying my seminary experience; sharing and gifting my life to the people of God here in Brisbane. And that is why every now and then I join the Psalmist to say “who am I Lord, what is my lineage that you led me thus far-I thank you for the wonder of my being”. I believe there is no better life than the one lived in God since our hearts are restless until they rest in God.

Michael Grace

Hi my name is Michael Grace and I have been studying at Holy Spirit Seminary since the beginning of 2004. I was born in Grafton NSW, but I’ve spent most of my life living in either Sydney or Brisbane. Before entering the seminary I completed an apprenticeship as an electrician and worked on many large construction sites. Among my many interests I enjoy travelling (I have travelled most of the east coast of Australia and spent eight weeks in Europe), camping with friends, motorcycleriding, playing touch football, sailing, playing the clarinet and guitar and writing music. I am greatly enjoying my studies here at the seminary.

Augustine Ifeanyi Obi

Augustine Ifeanyi Obi is a Nigerian citizen from Uzuakoli, Bende the local Government Area of Abia State. He obtained a bachelor degree in Philosophy from Urban University, Rome and a Bachelor of Arts Sciences from Imo State University, Nigeria.

As a missionary, Augustine was sent by his Nigerian Bishop L.I.Ugorji, to assist the Brisbane Catholic Community.

As a young boy, I used to imagine the crucibles that the Irish Missionaries passed through in order to implant the gospel of Christ in Nigeria. I admired their costly missionary sweat which softened the soil to produce what we have today in Nigeria. I really wanted to walk in their footsteps.

Today, the dream which I had two decades ago has materialised. I am fulfilled in my decision to be a veritable instrument for the propagation of the gospel of Christ.

Bryan Roe

MIT, Bach. Eng (Hons), Bach Bus (Mktg).

I joined the Holy Spirit Seminary in February 2006. Before accepting my call to the priesthood, I played professional tennis until I was nineteen at which time I incurred a physical condition that prevented me from playing further. I then studied and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Business from the Queensland University of Technology. I worked for a company that specialised in product development before returning to studies. I obtained a Masters of IT from the University of Queensland and then worked as a Systems Analyst/Program Manager for a large company in Hong Kong.

I enjoy all aspects of life, especially my personal relationship with God and others. I have been gifted with a great family and some wonderful friends who I love spending time with. I am also thoroughly enjoying my time in the seminary. My fellow seminarians are high quality men who provide a great sense of community for the seminary. Our priestly formation is first rate with some very gifted people doing a great job forming us into what God is calling us to be – well-balanced and enthusiastic promoters of ‘The Kingdom’.

Nigel Sequeira

I’m 40 years old and had been running away from the idea priesthood for some time. However, The Lord has been patient with me and has opened my eyes to the beauty of this special relationship with him. I remain hopeful that I may be used as an instrument of God’s Love.

Before coming to the seminary, I worked for the Red Cross in Kuwait, a television news producer and cameraman for an International News Agency in the Middle East, produced and filmed a documentary for EWTN and did free lance corporate video news releases.

I was born in Africa, studied and worked in Asia and Europe before arriving in Australia last year.