This piece of land has a long history. My grandfather, Eze Ezewuiro, gave it to Irish missionaries to build St. Oliver Church for the people of Ogbe-Nneishii. As a boy, I attended catechism there. I played football on that ground. The faith I received there shaped everything I would later become as a priest.
Where It All Began
When the church eventually moved, the land returned to the family. For decades, my father farmed it. But it was never forgotten. And now, after six years of patient negotiation and with the help of my brothers Cletus and Declan, the land belongs to God again. This time, forever.
The Call That Started Construction
In July 2024, Sr. Lucy Esedebe sent me a message: “You will be receiving a call from someone in the monastery. Please listen.” The call came from Sr. Chika Mbalaji of St. Clare Franciscan Monastery, Ijebu-Ode. Her vision of a monastery in the Diocese of Ahiara resonated immediately. By the autumn of 2024, we broke ground.
I have relied on my retirement funds and savings to bring us this far. It has been my deepest privilege to give what I have to God in this way. But I cannot finish it alone. If you feel called to be part of this work, please consider making a donation.
Rev. Dr. Kevin A. Ori, Founder, OLPAM