For the last two months, Father Peter Morkah had been visiting from Owerri, Nigeria. As an ordained priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, he had been staying at the Villa Pieta in Linwood, New Jersey. Although he had been on holiday since July 9 (returning to Nigeria on Sept. 6), Father had been offering daily Mass at the Villa Raphaella and Our Lady’s Residence two long term care facilities in Pleasantville. In addition he had joined in with Rosaries, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and social outings with members of the local community.
Father Peter enjoyed local home cooking and some local restaurants. His favorite foods are rice and fish so he took a liking to the menu offered at two restaurant buffets in the area. He marveled at the many choices of food and beverages. Thanks to Father Peter DiTomasso, the Catholic chaplain at Shore Medical Center, Father Peter Morkah had an opportunity to travel to surrounding tourist attractions, Some of the sights have included the National Aquarium in Baltimore; the seminary and shrine at Emmitsburg, Maryland where there is a very large statue of the Virgin Mary; the Empire State Building in NYC (and Staten Island); the Liberty Bell and Constitution Hall in Philadelphia; and the White House and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. A few parishioners made sure he took a trip to AC to put a few coins into the local casino economy. He put the winnings back into the casino coffers but won by meeting an American who immigrated from Nigeria many years ago. Father Peter also met two families from Nigeria who live locally in Linwood and Pleasantville.
Father Peter started out his advanced education in law, but a personal healing and revelation led him to pursue the priesthood. He took philosophy and theology classes. His Master’s degree, earned at the Angelicum University in Rome, is in Spiritual Theology. He works as the Director of Formation for the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Owerri, Nigeria, located in the eastern region of Nigeria.
Father Peter Morkah met two priests from the Linwood, NJ location of the Missionaries while studying in Rome. The two priests heard his homilies and asked him to visit them here in the United States. That was in 2010. Lucky, for those of us who have had a chance to visit with Father Peter Morkah, he came. I would have to agree with the priests, Although never having heard a homily at Mass, Father Peter’s reflections are incredible. At a Rosary prayer group, Father gave a reflection on the early life of Christ. He also gave one about the Prodigal Son. Those of us present knew we were in the presence of the Holy Spirit when he spoke.
I can’t help but feel the need to pray especially for Father Peter as a director of seminarians. When we saw an actor’s portrayal of Maximilian Kolbe on September 5, 2012, I learned that Kolbe, martyred at Auschwitz in 1941 was a leader of seminarians also. Not an easy task even under the best of circumstances.
I asked Father Peter about the policies related to abortion in Nigeria. He smiled and shook his head. Abortion is illegal in Nigeria. We know we have to pray for a change of heart here in America.
I asked Father Peter what he learned from his stay here in the United States. He told me he was impressed at our friendliness. We discussed some of the civil rights issues here in America.
English is the primary language in Nigeria so communication was easy. In Nigeria there are different dialects: the Housa language in the north; Yoruba in the west; and Ibo in the eastern section. In Nigeria, they refer to America as “God’s own country.” Nigeria has as their patron saints Mary and St. Patrick. Mary is a patroness of America too. As I told Father Peter, St. Patrick is associated with a day of drinking and partying here as society has taken license with the saint’s name.
As is the observation from many visitors (or new residents) to the United States, Father Peter noted how organized we are. The laws work here he said. Corruption is a problem in Nigeria. I laughed and told him it was a problem in America too. As an example, he said if one was stopped for speeding in Nigeria, a bribe and saying I am sorry would get someone on their way. Again, I laughed because of the similarities to America. But it is true there is liberty in law. “Nigeria is supposed to be a paradise on Earth since human resources are the natural resources.” said Father Peter. I acknowledged that many American youths have turned away from their faith practice, but the Nigerian youths are vibrant in churches he noted.
Father Peter wears a Rosary ring on the ring finger of his left hand. It is a personal choice. The gift given by the Missionaries at ordination is a crucifix.
Father Peter was here during the Olympics. Nigeria earned no medals. But Father watched the festivities. He admires the tennis abilities of the Williams’ siblings! His favorite sport is soccer. A favorite American sport of his is basketball.
Father Peter said that we are to pray for miracles because Jesus did not come to destroy; Jesus came to heal and perform miracles. Therefore, it is our job to perform miracles. He gave an example to which we could relate.
When Father was a seminarian, he led a youth group. There was one girl in the group who stayed to herself. He took notice of her and asked her to share her problem. She was short. The people around her called her “small stout’ or “shorty” The name made her go into her own world. Father Peter recommended to the girl that she tell them “I am shorter than you and you are taller than me. It is 50/50. No one wins. You are beautiful. Look in the mirror.” After one week she told him “I didn’t know you could perform a miracle.” He told us to go and perform miracles. Quoting Theresa of Avila he said, “We are the eyes, ears, feet, and hands that Jesus uses on Earth. We must follow in the footsteps of Christ.”
Father Peter had a flight out of Newark, New Jersey from the Liberty International Airport to return home. Although his father is deceased, his mother called several times during his visit. She wants her beloved son home. We had to let him go…but he promised he would return.
Thanks Father Peter for visiting with us. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph be with you always.
With the miracle of e-mail, Father Peter let us know he arrived safely back home. My thoughts are that he will need a vacation from his vacation!!
Marian R. Carlino Sept. 8, 2012
