2026-07-13 Fr. Cyril Okebanama's 15th Anniversary Mass of Priestly Ordination

Celebrating 15 Years of Faithful Service: Fr. Cyril Okebanama S.M.M.M. Marks Milestone Anniversary. (By Gerry Therrien). On Monday July 13th, neighboring parishes: St. Anne (Mattawa) ,St Bernadette (Bonfield) and Sacred Heart (Corbeil) and Fr. Cyril Okebanama's former parishes of St. Theresa (Temiscaming) and Our Lady of the Lake (Kipawa) joined together to mark the 15th anniversary of his priestly ordination. A milestone that drew a large crowd, despite the intense heat, to a joy filled gathering at St. Anne church in Mattawa. These included parishioners, family, friends, fellow priests, Chancellor Rev. Ryan Holly and His Excellency Rev. Michael Brehl, Bishop of the diocese of Pembroke. The bilingual mass opened with a reverent procession featuring priests from the Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy, priests from the diocese of Pembroke, some other Nigerian priests working in Canada that are not in the same Order with Father Cyril, as well as few Nigerian priests that visited from Nigeria, deacons, altar servers, and a Knights of Columbus honour guard. A combined choir from all participating parishes filled the church with hymns of thanksgiving. Homilist, Fr. Theodore Nnorom, S.M.M.M., a longtime friend of Fr. Cyril, reflected on the priest’s journey from Imo State, Nigeria, to the Mattawa Deanery. Raised in a devout Catholic family, young Cyril was deeply involved in parish life—an altar server, a member of the Block Rosary, and a helper to seminarians. Though once aspiring to be a footballer (soccer player), he answered a different call, beginning his formation in 2000 with the support of his benefactress, late Mrs Livia Gaglione. “When God calls — God provides,” he said. Recalling Fr Cyril’s ordination on July 9, 2011, and his missionary assignment to Canada in 2015. “The priest is not the treasure. The treasure is Jesus Christ. Father Cyril recognizes this. He carries his priesthood with joy and humility and shares it generously.” Before the closing prayer, Deacon Tim Foster offered words of appreciation on behalf of the present parishes of Fr Cyril (Mattawa, Bonfield and Corbeil), recalling Fr Cyril’s growth and sharing a lighthearted driving anecdote. Louise Rockburn, from Fr. Cyril's former parish of Temiscaming also on behalf of the former parishes of Fr Cyril (Temiscaming and Kipawa) expressed gratitude, noting the lasting impact of his kindness and leadership. Fr. George Okoye, S.M.M.M. , regional secretary of the order, conveyed congratulations from the brotherhood. Bishop Brehl thanked Fr. Cyril for his missionary heart. “He made a sacrifice. He left his home, his culture, his family to come serve us here… May God bless you and Mary accompany you always.” Father Cyril and Bishop Brehl then shared a heartfelt moment before receiving a special blessing from His Excellency. Fr. Cyril, visibly moved, expressed his gratitude to all who had contributed to the celebration and to those who have supported him throughout his priestly journey Festivities continued at Mike Rodden Arena, where a potluck dinner brought together homemade dishes and lively conversation. Music and dance—central to Nigerian culture—added a vibrant touch, especially during a colourful procession that featured Fr Cyril, Deacon Tim Foster and his wife dressed in the same Nigerian Igbo traditional attire honouring Fr. Cyril’s heritage. The day stood not only as a tribute to Fr. Cyril’s 15 years of priesthood but also as a celebration of unity among the deanery's parishes. Mattawa / A-B-C Parishes Ste-Anne Parish, Mattawa, Ontario stannemattawa.ca ourabcparishes.com (Diocese of Pembroke)