Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church Florence AZ

Fr. Callistus Iyorember  

Administartor  

 

 

520-245-8497  

520-868-0413  

Click here to contact Fr. Callistus Iyorember  

Fr. Callistus was born in Zaria in the State of Kaduna, Nigeria; to a very religious, Catholic family...the only son born to John and Margaret lyorember on April 17, 1976. His parents named him "Terhemen" which means "God First" in "Tiv", Father's native language. "God First', would eventually become his "Operational Theology" and his motivation for becoming a Catholic priest, which was a long road that did not happen overnight.

Fr. Callistus has four sisters, five nephews and three nieces; they all reside in Nigeria. He visits them every year. They talk on Face Ttme and WhatsApp daily keeping him touch with his African family and culture.

Father attended high school at the Mount Saint Gabriel's Catholic Secondary School and received a high school diploma; many of his teachers were priests and nuns. Their lives were characterized by service, love and dedication; consequently, he was greatly inspired by the way they lived their lives and was drawn to entering seminary and becoming a priest.

Fr. Callistus entered St. Thomas Aquinas Major Catholic Seminary in September, 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy (BA) degree from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome, an affiliate of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Seminary.

Father took a break from the seminary and religious studies and went on to study lnternational Relations and Strategic Studies. ln his African culture, an only son is expected to get married and raise kids, to carry on the family name.

He entered the Benue State University and earned a Master of Art (MA) degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies and went on to teach Physical and Heatth Education in the same High School at which he was a student Through the curriculum, he provided his students with specific skills and knowledge that helped them achieve and maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle. His desire was that these skills would have an impact upon them and would not just be an academic exercise but would rather become a lifestyle; embrace even beyond high school graduation and enriching their lives forever.

Through prayer and many long discussions with many family members, Fr. finally had their blessings to continue his discernment . "I felt a longing in my heart, an emptiness in his soul that only God could fill and little did I know that God had an adventure planned for me I never dreamed of."

Bishop Gerald Kicanas had a friendship, as well as a working relatianship with the Very Rev. Angus Frser Kakurdi of Nigeria. The two men formed a partnership that would allow two young seminarians from Nigeria to study in the United States, as well as to devote their religious life and vocation to the Diocese of Tucson. "I was so excited and full of anticipation at the adventure that awaited me and yet saddened by the fact that I would be leaving my family, country and everything I knew to embark on this new, exciting adventure; a chance to serve God in America."

Fr. was accepted and enrolled at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein and began his life in America. Life was very different in so many ways but at least he spoke English! He felt very blessed there was no real language barrier...although he did not understand a lot of American slang.

Life in Chicago was rewarding but a little bit challenging because coming from Nigeria, Fr. Callistus struggled with the unfamiliar climate of winter and the frigid temperatures in Chicago and other parts of the USA.

He met many interesting students from 37 dioceses all over the united States of America; he travelled with the students to France and the Holy Land. In France, they prayed at the home of some of the Saints like St. John Vianney in Arcs; visited famous Notre Dame and Charter Cathedrals; saw over 150 stain glass windows and gained insights into the theology that is contained in those heautiful panes of stain glass.

The luscious Blanquette de Veau (veal in cream sauce) was Fr. Callistus' favorite meal and he would give anything to eat it again and France beckons, as his stomach calls him back someday. Fr. also visited the Holy Land, State of lsrael, with his classmates and professors. They went to the holy sites and returned. to class to evaluate and discuss their experiences. He gained a great deal of knowledge and insights from his professors who had been there many times.

Fr. was deeply moved by the Holy Land experience as he walked in the steps of his Lord; went to the very places where He had lived His Iife. Now, as he reads the scriptures, those experiences created lifelong bonds. He traveled to various states to stay in touch with them while getting to know his new country.

In 2017 Fr. completed his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the University of St Mary of the Lake Mundelein, Illinois. He has a certificate in Church Management from the University of Villanova, PA, 2018.

He speaks five languages which include proper British English, Tiv, Hausa, Pidgin, liturgical Latin and Spanish. He has a unique understanding af African culture and traditiona! norms. At the University of St. Mary's, Fr. Callistus was involved in both English and Africa Choirs and led the African worship for three years.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tucson, AZ on June 3, 2017 at St. Augustine Cathedral by His Excellency, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. This was the happiest day in his life to be surrounded by family and many of his friends, most of them were visiting Arizona for the first time and remarked about the excessive heat. His parents loved the heat which reminded them of the weather in Nigeria.

Since he said "yes" to God, he has experienced inexpressible joy, peace and fulfillment. "I am truty thankful to God for calling me to this noble vocation. After the ordination, I have worked in several parishes including: St Mark Parish (Oro Valley, AZ), St. Christopher Parish (Marana, AZ) and St. Anthony of Padua Parish (Casa Grande, AZ). My last assignment was at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Tucson, AZ as Associate Pastor. I am currently the Administrator of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Florence, AZ."

"As a Catholic priest, the pulpit is one avenue, maybe the most important, where my love of teaching is still possible; where I have the opportunity to teach the formation and facilitation af study groups in the various parishes that I have served. ln some of these groups, I have had the task of reviewing theological books that would be resourceful during group discussions. Furthermore, I have thoroughly enjoyed and feel that it is of great importance to teach religious education to our Catholic youth and anyone who wish to enter the Catholic faith. The sacraments guide us in our lives and teach us to be more Christ-like."  

 

Rose Marie M. Monks  

Business Manager  

 

520-921-0162 / 520-868-5940  

520-868-0413  

Click here to contact Rose Marie M. Monks  

P.O. Box 2550
Florence, AZ
85132