Bringing Joy to God's People

Bringing joy and peace to others is how Nigerian native Father Yakubu Philibus describes the beauty of priestly ministry.

The eldest of seven children, Father Philibus’ life has always been rooted in the Catholic faith as his bedrock of morality. The priesthood, however, was not his initial interest. He was considering a career as a medical doctor given his passion for science. However, through prayer and spiritual reflection he could hear God’s call in his heart for priestly discernment.

“During adolescence, I was inspired by the priests in my life. Their personality, charisma and homiletics encouraged me to answer God’s call.” I would often notice myself saying, “I would love to be like this person.”

He entered seminary to further discern his vocation. He completed priestly formation, and he was ordained by Most Reverend Dr. Oliver Dashe Deome to the priesthood on July 1, 2011, for the Diocese of Maiduguri in Nigeria. 

Joy is the essence of the Mass for Nigerian Catholics, and the inculturation or infusion of church teaching into the traditional customs and cultural practices of Nigeria manifest the richness of Christ’s presence in liturgical celebration.  

“Nigerians love their culture and through inculturation, we bring our traditional customs into liturgical worship.” He continues, “In Nigeria, Mass might be around two hours long because we dance, sing and worship God through the inclusion of customs associated with our ethnic identity.”

Nigerians foster a strong relationship with God because God will not fail believers in the manner that human beings or governmental entities do. Due to cultural and political matters throughout the country’s history, Nigerians have grown to strongly embrace God because he is the only consistent source of truth in their lives.

“The fraternity of the priesthood is strong in Nigeria. The bond between brother priests is authenticated and enriched through a real unity in which brother priests are always rendering support, love and assistance.”

It is this level of obedience that led Father Philibus to America as he reflects upon the conversation he had with Most Reverend Dr. Oliver Dashe Deome of his Nigerian diocese informing him of his missionary assignment in the Diocese of Gaylord. 

When he has personal time, Father Philibus enjoys researching and studying the Catechism of the Church. He also loves listening to Gospel music and exercising, and he has recently found himself studying the societal trends of America because this is his first time in America. 

Father Philibus is grateful for the faithful of the diocese, especially the “friendly, loving and caring” individuals of St. Mary Cathedral where he is in residence and serves as Parochial Vicar. He is expected to continue to serve our diocese in this capacity for roughly the next three years, having arrived in the States in September 2023.

He wishes all the faithful to know that he is here to serve the diocese and work to bring others into a deeper relationship with God so that the mercy and peace of God fills the heart with joy.