THE TRAVAILS OF LIFE IN THE SEMINARY

                                                ACT 1 SCENE 1

FR VICTOR: (SPEAKING IN REGRET) What value has this life been to me. My life is full of travails. The worst of all is that my secret life has been disclosed to my parishioners. Now everybody is looking on me with contempt. I have as well try my possible best to make meaning out of this life, but it dawns on me that I really followed the wrong path of life. I know I had series of conviction that I should not be a priest, but my parents would really not allow me to choose the best vocation of my life. It has cost me my happiness and my good name. What will I do? Should I continue to disgrace myself, my family or the entire church or should bow out? (still speaking)

(Two of his parishioners walk across the church with water containers to fetch water at the parish bore hole. They greeted fr. Victor but he took little notice of them because of his deep sorrow of his wrong vocation)

ANGELINA: (SPEAKING WITH ABUSE LANGUAGE) Look at this man o!!!! He said he is a priest but all the girls in the parish have not found some peace. It is Ngozi today, Chinelo tomorrow. In fact, there is a rumour that he impregnated Chioma. Hmmmmm!!! The priest of nowadays. They will kill us o.

EMEKA: (AFFIRMING WITH ANGELINA) O di egwu. Even the youths of this town are looking into his matter. Very soon, we will drag him out. I don’t really know what to say in that regard. Anyway lets be quiet and remember we should not abuse God’s anointed, but some priests have messed themselves up. Where then lies the difference? (ANGELINA AND EMEKA EXEUNT)

(FR VICTOR STILL STANDING IN REGRET, MOVING TO AND FRO AND EXIT AFTERWARDS NODDING IN ANGUISH)

                                    ACT II SCENE I

A FLASH-BACK: BEFORE THE ENTRANCE INTO THE SEMINARY

( JOSEPH AND INNOCENT ENTER DISCUSSING ABOUT THEIR VISION TO ENTER THE SEMINARY SINCE THEY ARE ALTAR KNIGHT MEMBERS)

INNOCENT: (SPOKE FIRST) Today is my dream day because I overheard the parish priest talking about the entrance form to the seminary.

JOSEPH: I heard it also, but do you wish to enter the seminary? Hmmmm, I heard that it is tough place to go, with a lot of hard labour and floggings. You know I cant go to the seminary.

INNOCENT: Joseph, let me tell you the truth, it is not all who went through the seminary become priests. You know our president? He was once a seminarian but he dropped on the way. You can go forth and receive the training there.

                                    (ENTER VICTOR)

JOSEPH: Anyway, it is not even my wish to enter the seminary but since you want to go, let’s go together so that I will not be at home only to call you SEMI when come back.

VICTOR: Oh  Oh  Oh  Oh  Oh  Oh  Oh!!!!!!! SEMINARY!!!! That’s incredible!!! My parents told me about it. They are almost forcing me into entering the seminary against my desire and wish. I may disobey them in that regard.

JOSEPH: They are your parents o o. you have to obey your parents because the bible says ‘honour your father and mother’.

VICTOR: But that is not the question here. I will think about their request and will probably accept it for only two reasons. 1. Because of you friends who have also decided to go, and secondly because of my filial dependence on my parents.

INNOCENT: Anyway, it is good to be seminarians one day and later priests according to the mind of God.

JOSEPH: God forbid me to be a priest.

                                                (THEY EXEUNT)

                                    ACT III SCENE I

                        LIFE IN THE SEMINARY-CLASSROOM

(JOSEPH, INNOCENT AND VICTOR ALL MADE IT INTO THE SEMINARY, THEY WERE ADMITTED AS SEMINARIANS OF ST. GREGORY’S SEMINARY, ACHALLA UNDER THE RECTORSHIP OF FR. CHARLES OKEKE)

FR CHARLES OKEKE: Praise be to Jesus both now and forever.

NEW STUDENTS: Amen

FR CHARLES OKEKE: My dear seminarians, this is your first day in the seminary and as such I welcome you dearly into the seminary. Of course, you must have heard that it is full of thorns and not a bed of roses. It warrants much suffering and rough path so that you will be formed into a good priest, and even if you are not a priest, you will be a good Christian. (JOSEPH NODS HIS HEAD SIGNIFICANTLY AT THE NOTICE OF FR CHARLES, THEN HE ASKS ABOUT THE GESTURE). YOU THERE ( TO JOSEPH), WHY ARE YOU NODDING YOUR HEAD AS SUCH?

JOSEPH: (SHIVERING) NOTH-I-I-I-N-G FR. Just that I was thinking about the president of the Altar Knight in my parish who was in the seminary before but he is no longer a seminarian.

FR CHARLES OKEKE: You thought wisely my son. This will otherwise usher us into our orientation course. Some seminarians who do not follow according to the rules of the seminary will be ask to leave the seminary, but some seminarian may choose to leave. Some who do not wish to be in the seminary will continue to disturb, steal and even instigate mob action inside the seminary. They, not only fail in their duty, they will through action or words make others to fail in their duty just because they don’t have mind to continue in the seminary. Those people, when found, are sent home immediately to curb them from corrupting others in the seminary. Others who are corrupted are also shown the way out since an adage says ‘the corruption of the best is worst’. My dear seminarians, a day in the seminary is a year outside because of the formation that is been given here. Also some people who are good seminarian can still recognise that this is not his calling, as such, he comes and receives our blessings and go. Therefore, it is good you remain a good seminarian, working hard in all levels of formation- spiritual, human, pastoral and intellectual. We are going to end our section for now. You have to go for other programmes.

                                    ACT III SCENE II

                        (RECREATION PERIOD: A PERIOD OF INTERACTION AMONG STUDENTS)

VICTOR: This seminary thing is not easy at all. The worst of it is this vow of chastity, among obedience and poverty. Maybe the vow is only meant for the priests. We are not priests yet, so it is not for us. Or is it?

JOSEPH: How can it be for us? Are we priests? We will continue to enjoy life until some of you become priest. Life is worth enjoying. Even I have many friends who are ready all the time to give me what I want. .. Onye ube ruru, ya racha.

INNOCENT: This thing you are saying is abhorrent to the ear. Please let us be slow in corrupting pure minds. Remember what the Rector said today. It is a thought-provoking message to us.

TIMOTHY: To hell with that message of yours that is not realisable. Whether you like it or not, we must do what we want to do. It is simply holy Innocent, when we are ordain, we can act as he said.

INNOCENT: But Timothy, you should know very well that the seminary is a place where we learn how to be priest. What one does not learn now, he may not acquire them.

(AT THAT POINT, FR CHARLES OKEKE, WALKS GENTLY PAST THEM TO  GET SOMETHING AND AS SUCH PETER MADE A SIGN THAT THE FR IS COMING, AND THERE WAS A TOTAL SILENCE OF AFFIRMING WHAT INNOCENT WAS SAYING IN A LOUDER  VOICE)

JOSEPH: (speaking in pretence) Inno, what you are saying is absolutely correct. (AS THE RECTOR HAS MOVED A CONSIDERABLY FAR DISTANCE)

TIMOTHY: Please Joseph, how is tomorrow going to be for us. Tomorrow is a day of labour and certain unwanted spiritual exercise. I will be pretending to be sick. I will neither attend any of them.

JOSEPH: You fear too much man.  I have to sneak out of the seminary to go and meet with my friends. They must be eager to see me now.

VICTOR: Good luck man. Let me stay at home today but to be sincere with you, I don’t even understand what I am doing here at this time of the moment.

INNOCENT: Joseph, please it is risky to leave the seminary. You better rescind in your actions. For you Victor and others, it is better to make here your home, imbibing with the formations given and apply in a most dedicated way, otherwise you will not be happy. I am just foreseeing a bloody day for you Joseph. Please try and think twice.

JOSEPH: o di egwu. Are you going to report me? Go ahead if you wish. But you know I am invincible.

            (ALL EXEUNT EXCEPT INNOCENT HOLDING HIS BIBLE AND READING THE PASSAGES)

                                                            ACT III  SCENE III

            (EXPULSION OF JOSEPH FROM SEMINARY FOR SNEAKING OUT OF THE SEMINARY)

JOSEPH: Timothy, you know our discussion last night. I will be moving out as we said, just try and cover me up and also spy on Innocent to know his moves about reporting me to the Rector.

TIMOTHY: Trust me with that. I can do it very well. But how are you going to move and when actually are you going to return back. If it is possible, try and come back before prayers so that your seat would not be vacant.

JOSEPH: I will try my possible best

                        (THEY EXEUNT IN DIFFERENT WAYS)

(AT AN EMERGENCY CONVOCATION BY THE RECTOR AT THE CLASSROOM, LO AND BEHOLD JOSEPH WAS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND)

FR CHARLES: Good morning my seminarians. Hope the class is complete?

CLASS: yes…., yes…., yes…., no…., no…., no….,

FR CHARLES: Are you sure? (there is silence among the seminarians) Who is missing in the class?

INNOCENT: Joseph is not here.

FR CHARLES: Then where is Joseph? (SILENCE   SILENCE  SILENCE was upon the class). Anyway I called you to anticipate bible lesson we have by 3pm. Come with your bible and your exercise books. Then innocent inform Joseph to see me in my office by 9pm.

(JOSEPH IS SEEN AT THE NEXT SCENE HOLDING A LETTER AND READING IT TO HIMSELF)

JOSEPH: (angrily) why am I angry, after all, I was not here to become a priest. But I will deal with Innocent when he comes back home.

                                    (JOSEPH EXITS)

                                    ACT IV SCENE I

                        (ORDINATION OF VICTOR AND INNOCENT)

(THE PIANO PRODUCING A CATHOLIC MISSA DE ANGELIS MUSIC LIKE LITANY OF THE SAINTS, KYRIE, PATER NOSTER ETC, WHILE THE BISHOP AND THE ORDINANDS-INNOCENT AND VICTOR COME IN TOGETHER WITH A PRIEST VOCATION DIRECTOR)

 VOCATION DIRECTOR: Let those who are to be ordained to the order of priesthood come forward. (HE CALLS OUT THEIR NAMES). REV. VICTOR OTTI,

REV. VICTOR: (wasting some time, he answered) PRESENT

VOCATION DIRECTOR: Rev. Innocent Azuh

REV. VICTOR: PRESENT

VOCATION DIRECTOR: Most Reverend Father, our holy Mother the Catholic Church asks you to ordain these deacons here present to the burden of the priesthood.

BISHOP: Do you know if they are worthy?

VOCATION DIRECTOR: As far as human frailty allows one to know, I am certain and I testify that they are worthy to undertake the burden of this office.

BISHOP: Thanks be to God. (BISHOP CONTINUES) THEREFORE, MY DEAR SONS, CHOSEN AS YOU ARE BY THE JUDGEMENT OF OUR BRETHREN TO BE CONSECRATED AS OUR HELPERS, KEEP YOURSELVESS BLAMELESS IN A LIFE OF CHASTITY AND SANCTITY. BE WELL AWARE OF THE SACREDNESS OF YOUR DUTIES. BE HOLY AS YOU DEAL WITH HOLY THINGS. WHEN YOU CELEBRATE THE MYSTERY OF THE LORD’S DEATH, SEE TO IT THAT BY MORTIFYING YOUR BODIES YOU RID YOURSELVES OF ALL VICE AND CONCUPISCIENCE. LET THE DOCTRINE YOU EXPOUND BE SPIRITUAL MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD. LET THE FRAGRANCE OF YOUR LIVES BE THE DELIGHT OF CHRIST’S CHURCH, THAT BY YOUR PREACHING AND EXAMPLE YOU HELP TO BUILD UP THE EDIFICE WHICH IS THE FAMILY OF GOD. MAY IT NEVER COME ABOUT THAT WE, FOR PROMOTING YOU TO SO GREAT AN OFFICE, OR YOU, FOR TAKING IT ON YOURSELVES, SHOULD DESERVE THE LORD’S CONDEMNATION; BUT RATHER MAY WE MERIT A REWARD FROM HIM. SO LET IT BE BY HIS GRACE.

ALL: AMEN

(THE LITANY OF THE SAINTS RESOUND STRONGLY FROM THE PIANNO AS THE BISHOP LAYS HAND ON THEM TOGETHER WITH THE VOCATION DIRECTOR)

BISHOP: ALMIGHTY FATHER, WE PRAY THAT YOU BESTOW ON THESE SERVANTS OF YOURS THE DIGNITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD. RENEW IN THEIR HEARTS THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS, SO THAT THEY MAY BE STEADFAST INTHIS SECOND DEGREE OF THE PRIESTLY OFFICE RECEIVED FROM YOU, O GOD, AND BY THEIR OWN LIVES SUGGEST A RULE OF LIFE TO OTHERS. MAY THEY BE PRUDENT FELLOW WORKERS IN OUR MINISTRY. MAY THEY SHINE IN ALL THE VIRTUES, SO THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE A GOOD ACCOUNT OF THE STEWARDSHIP ENTRUSTED TO THEM AND FINALLY ATTAIN THE REWARD OF EVERLASTING BLESSEDNESS. WE MAKE THIS PRAYER THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN

(THE VOCATION DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES THAT THESE BROTHERS OF OURS HAVE BECOME PRIESTS IN THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK)

(PLEDGE OF OBEDIENCE)

BISHOP: DO YOU PROMISE ME AND MY SUCCESSORS REVERENCE AND OBEDIENCE?

FRS VICTOR AND INNOCENT: I PROMISE

BISHOP: MAY THE GOOD LORD WHO BEGAN THIS IN YOU BRING IT TO COMPLETION. (THE NEW PRIESTS ANSWER AMEN).

BISHOP: LET US GO IN THE PEACE OF CHRIST

ALL: THANKS BE TO GOD

   (THE ORDINATION IS NOW COMPLETED AT THIS POINT)

                                                ACT V SCENE I

                        (JOSEPH WAS CONVICTED)

(JOSEPH IS NOW THE HEAD OF CULTIST GROUP AT HIS SCHOOL WHO INVOLVES IN EVIL DEEDS CAUSING CONFUSION AMONG THE SOCIETY)

JOSEPH: HAIL ODUDU

GROUP: HAIL-HAIL-HAIL-HAIL ODUDU

JOSEPH:  HAIL ODUDU

GROUP: HAIL-HAIL-HAIL-HAIL ODUDU

JOSEPH: Hail brothers, this is a night of sorrow in the university now. We are now facing a serious problem of financial incapacitation, which has hindered so much our protecting ability. One of us here has entered into a serious academic problem with the school authorities and we could not help him. Other societies are seriously looking down on us, because of our inabilities. I bet you brothers, this would never continue again. And in the spirit of brotherhood, I wish to seek your suggestions. (all kept quiet).

(With a louder voice, he says) what is happening? No, No, No, not in my own time. We need to restructure our operations. HAIL ODUDU, HAIL ODUDU, HAIL ODUDU.

GROUP: HAIL-HAIL-HAIL-HAIL ODUDU

JOSEPH: (Muttering some words), I have an idea………… I remember one guy then in my secondary school. He is now a fada (in a mocking way referring to Innocent). I promised him revenge and this is the time. We must begin with him. I am going to frustrate him. Now, listen carefully. We are not going only to take away valuable items from him but to make miserable for the rest of his life. Now Scorpion

Scorpion: Yes capon

Joseph: You are to take charge of the whole preparations, prepare for the ammunitions very well because it will be a tough battle.

Scorpion: Yes Capon, whatever you say, I shall do

(rugged songs playing at the background by that same group)

Joseph: Scatter, you have to get an eye on that priest since he is working in your town. You have to know about him to give us information about when to go and how to go about it.

Scatter: yes Capon, I am willing and ready to do all you have told me to do.

Joseph: Well then, in the absence of no other serious engagements, we must call it a day now. Hail Odudu (with some incitement about the idea)

Group: HAIL-HAIL-HAIL-HAIL ODUDU.

ACT VI SCENE I     

In the Rectory, Fr. Innocent was found half sleeping. An image was presented before him about what is going to happen to him in due time. While he was still not very conscious, an image of a person being killed by armed robbers were presented before him and immediately after the image, come two distinct voices, which signifies a message being passed across.

VOICE 1: (In a serene way) My beloved son, you have to leave this rectory as soon as possible. That image been presented to you will happen to you if you stay behind. You have to leave this parish tonight for your safety because the people of the underworld seek your earthly life. LEAVE AT ONCE!!!!!!!!!!!!! (after some minutes)

VOICE 2: (In a coarse way) Consider, the people of God in your parish, who will then care for them. Who will celebrate the mass for you? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, consider what will happen if the Bishop hears that you left your duty because of……………………………… Stay behind and attend to the flock which God has given you. The Bible says in John 10:11, “I am a good shepherd, the good Shepherd gives his life for the Sheep”. So where are you running to. You have to stay behind and nothing will happen to you, have faith.

FR INNOCENT: Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! (waking up but still panting and very much unrelaxed, after a short while, he began speaking to himself) God, I am confused. I don’t really understand this. Is this happening on a real life? What am I going to do? Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(like one who has discerned) I think it will be good if I follow the first voice, let me go and stay with my brother priest- Victor. It is only for the night but let me contact him before going. (brings out his phone to call Victor). – Phone ringing on Victor’s phone: grim grim grim grim grim, Hello Padre Inno, how are you doing?

FR VICTOR: My dear, there is no problem for the mean time.

FR INNOCENT: I am calling to tell you that I had vision which I was advised not to sleep in my rectory.

FR VICTOR: HIA HIA HIA HIA (laughing scornfully), Ndi vision. You have come again with this your foolish story. It seems you are going insane. Today is this story, tomorrow is another story!!! What is really wrong with you? You need to go and see a psychologist to help you. Forget it, it is not real.

FR INNOCENT: My dear, this is real. Please save my life. This is a concrete message from the above.

FR VICTOR: Even if I will help you, what are you going to do about your pastoral works. Who is going to preside over all these activities and programmes which you fixed? Anyway, my dear I don’t think I will be helping you in your spirituality because I know you, unless you have joined bad groups. In fact, please do not come, there is no accommodation here. (drops the call and mutters) I am not ready for his rubbish and insane spiritual talks when he comes here, beside I have an appointment with Chinyere this night.

FR INNOCENT: (Another call came into his phone as he drops Fr Victor’s call). Hello, who is on the line?

CWO PRESIDENT: This is the CWO President of your Parish. Sorry for using another line to call you. Just to remind you about the propose evening mass with us- the CWO members at the Church.

FR INNOCENT: Yes, Yes I remembered. I will surely be there. God bless you (he drops the call and he convinced himself to stay back no matter what will happen) I think I will stay back. I pray that nothing will ever happen to me. (nodding in affirmation).

CURTAIN CLOSES

ACT VI SCENE II

(THIS EXPOSES THE ROBBERY SCENE SHOWING JOSEPH, SCORPION, SCATTER AND TWO OTHER PEOPLE WITH GUNS AND CLUBS. THEY SNICKED INTO HIS ROOM AND MADE AWAY WITH ALL THE PROPERTIES. THEY LATER FIND FR INNOCENT CELEBRATING MASS FOR THE CWO MEMBERS, AND SHOOTING AT A CLOSE RANGE DURING THE CONSECRATION.)

FR INNOCENT: (AT THE SURGE OF DEATH AND BEFORE HE DROPPED DEAD) Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit. Please Lord, do not hold this against them but do forgive them as I have forgiven them. I pray for their total repentance. (HE DIED, AND THE MURDERERS TIPTOED AWAY FROM THE SCENE WITH THE STOLEN VALUABLE ITEMS AND IMMEDIATELY CRIES AND SQUALLS FILLED THE WHOLE ENVIRONMENT ARISING OUT OF PASSION AND LOVE FOR THEIR BELOVED AND HOLY PRIEST)

CURTAIN CLOSES

ACT VII SCENE I

FLASH BACK ENDS, ARRIVING AT THE SCENE OF REGRET OF FR VICTOR.

FR VICTOR: (STILL IN REGRET), I THINK I WOULD VISIT INNOCENT FOR A PIECES OF ADVICE. (PHONE RINGS, AND HE WAS TOLD THAT FR INNOCENT HAS JUST DIED. HE WAS MURDERED IN THE CHURCH BY HOODLUMS. OUT OF PITY, HIS PHONE IMMEDIATELY FAILED OFF HIS HANDS). What sort of world is this, what is then the essence of living? What have I done to myself and inflicted an injury to this humble soul. This world is too hard on me. What a shame to behold this obvious challenge of doubting the MAN OF GOD. It is so obvious that I am not worthy to behold the world because of my actions. Fr. Innocent, I caused your death, please do forgive me for the harms I have inflicted to you. You are my good friend, a saint and a real man of God. I will not forget the good things of life which came to me through you. Fr, you died for me to be saved, you gave your life for my welfare and I am promising with oath to be a real person of my vocation. (Tears rolled on constantly as he exits the stage).

2 YEARS LATER

Act VIII Scene I

(Both Angelina and Emeka discussing while entering the stage where Fr. Victor is soliloquizing and thanking God on what he is doing through him. His countenance is really satisfactory)

ANGELINA: Emy, how far?

EMEKA: I am really doing well. Have you observed anything about our parish and our priest-Fr. Victor?

ANGELINA: My dear, our parish is really a place to behold with a lot of progress in both spiritual and human growth. I am really proud to be a member of this parish. I wish I still remain in this parish even when I get married.

EMEKA: Yea, things are really going on well here. There is adequate organisation of the youth, the adult and even the children. Our priest is really doing well. Fr. Victor is a priest of God. At first, we judged him wrongly but now he is a changed man. Everyone in this Parish is commenting on his efforts so far in satisfying the spiritual interest of the people. I am even a changed man. You remember me then. I was so stubborn in heart and live an atrocious life. But now, through Fr’s homily and his personal spiritual enlightenments, I became aware of myself.

(Enters Chioma, Fr. Victor exits from the stage)

CHIOMA: (capturing their discussion) Emeka, I am the happiest person on earth as it stands now. Our Parish Priest is a real man of God. He has really changed for good. I could not withstand his oozing holiness. At many occasions, his spiritual advices came to reality with much spiritual integrity and perfections. I wish he stays in our parish forever.

EMEKA: This is exactly what we are discussing before you arrived. Fr. Victor, our Parish Priest is really doing well as regards spiritual life, moral life and he is even intelligent. The youth of this Parish is even trying to contact him for a crusade. He is equal to the task. I really thank God that he changed for better. I know that before now, he is morally depraved. Thank God for him

ANGELINA: Please, Emeka, old things are passed away. He is a man of God and one to be reckoned with now in good moral standing. Let us try to pray for our Priests especially him, as he demands us.

(still talking, Fr. Victor enters the stage trying to pass across them as he meditating, Emeka, Angelina and Chioma ran to him for blessing)

EMEKA, ANGELINA, CHIOMA: (in one voice) Good morning Fr.

FR. VICTOR: (taking little notice of their approach because he is in deep meditation but he tried to respond prayerfully.) How are you, children of God.

EMEKA: Fr, Please bless us

FR. VICTOR: (a little bit conscious of their presence) May all mighty God bless you, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(Emeka, Angelina, Chioma exeunt leaving only Fr. Victor on the stage)

FR. VICTOR: (soliloguising aloud) I thank you Jesus for your love unto your child. I have been in darkness of sin and passion because I thought I was not called for this ministry. Today, I know that you called your servant to be a true servant of your love. I was living a callous life back in the seminary without knowing that my vocation was authentic. For good 3 years as a priest, I lived in blaspheming your holy name by not taking my body serious. I thank you for giving unto me, Fr. Innocent who is instrumental for this day. May God receive his soul. My soul has been caressed by the evil one and I remain restless, till now I have seen the light of God’s  mercy. My soul remain restless until it rests in God my saviour. The TRAVAIL OF LIFE IN THE SEMINARY is not easy, it is only for those who are called by God despite our unworthiness. I was called not counting my unworthiness, but God made me worthy to partake in this holy living.

                                               

                                                            THE END