Fr. Barnabas Esegine marks 25 years of priestly ministry

Fr. Barnabas Esegine celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination in 2025, marking a vocation shaped by pastoral care, leadership, and faithful service to the Church.  

Ordained on December 8, 2000 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, by Most Rev. Richard Burke (SPS), alongside six others, his ministry began with early parish assignments at St. Patrick’s Parish, Sapele in Delta State. and work with the Auxiliary Bishop John Afareha, who later became the Bishop of Warri, Nigeria. His later ministry included leadership at St. Francis Catholic Church, Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Over the years, Fr. Barnabas has served the Church through both parish and educational leadership. From 2003 to 2008, he was Principal of Good Shepherd Catholic Boys’ Secondary School in Oyede, in Delta State before pursuing a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care at Fordham Jesuit University in New York. Upon returning to Nigeria in 2010, he was appointed Parish Priest of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Agbarho, while also serving as Principal of St. Enda’s College, roles he held concurrently for a decade.

His later ministry included parish leadership at St. Francis Catholic Church, Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. and diocesan service as Vicar General, first under Archbishop Augustine Akubeze as Apostolic Administrator and later under Bishop Anthony Ewherido, who retained him in the role following his installation in 2023. In January 2025, Fr. Barnabas began a sabbatical in the Diocese of Calgary, a time set aside for spiritual renewal and reflection as he gives thanks for 25 years of priestly ministry.