The Garden City Telegram
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Local priest focused on new way of worship
Published 12/14/2009 in Local News
By RACHAEL GRAY
The Rev. Efiri Matthias Selemobri, who speaks four languages, wanted to work on his Spanish.
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The Rev. Efiri Selemobri, from Nigeria, is spending a year of sabbatical at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City.
After spending some time learning Spanish in Mexico, Selemobri lived in Houston and traveled throughout the United States. Several years ago, his travels brought him to Garden City.
Garden City stayed in Selemobri's mind and in July he came to spend a year on sabbatical. He is now serving at St. Mary Catholic Church and has written a book called "Stations of the Resurrection."
Selemobri said Jesus brought him to Garden City because Selemobri wanted to live in a place where he could speak Spanish and contribute to the community.
Selemobri said he finds comfort in the size of Garden City and the quality of people who live here.
"People are kind, loving and saintly, with some sinners, but we all pray to Jesus here," he said.
He will serve at St. Mary until July, when he'll travel to his next destination. He said he would like to travel in Europe and spend time in Rome. Selemobri already has traveled extensively, preaching in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Guatemala, Peru, Mexico and Cameroon.
He has celebrated Mass and has spoken in more than 340 Catholic churches in the United States.
Selemobri was educated in his native Nigeria and received a master of arts in theological studies from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
Through his travels and education, Selemobri began to think about a new way of worship for Lent and year-round prayer.
In the Catholic faith, on Good Friday, worshippers gather for "Stations of the Cross," a devotion that follows Jesus before his death on the cross.
Selemobri's book, "Stations of the Resurrection," is similar to Stations of the Cross, but it focuses on Jesus' resurrection.
"Anyone who knows the New Testament will find something familiar," Selemobri said.
He said the prayers and devotion in "Stations of the Resurrection" are most effective during and after Lent, but can be used year-round.
"It's relevant everyday and on Sundays because Jesus rose on the first day of the week," he said.
Selemobri said he hopes members of his congregation and of outside congregations will find his book useful in their lives of prayer.
He said he wouldn't push the book or practice of "Stations of the Resurrection" on anyone.
Selemobri said he would like to see groups gather to practice "Stations of the Resurrection," and pray similarly to the ritual of Stations of the Cross.
"That's what I'm hoping for. I won't push it. If people read it and find inspiration, that's what I want," he said.
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