ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF UWAKWE REFLECTIONS:

The Beginning of the Story

The idea that gave birth to Uwakwe Reflections was conceived in September 2011. It was a challenge posed to me by my younger brother Martin, a student of Information Technology. He challenged me to establish and maintain an online presence. In November 2011, the initial motivation he gave me into blogging led me into writing reflections on daily Mass readings online. After considering the demands of my studies and that of my seminary formation, I decided to concentrate only on Sunday reflections to enable me give adequate attention to other areas.

The trademark Uwakwe Reflection was the only available option when I needed to register for a domain name. Every option I tried was unavailable so I decided to use my name. More than just a domain name, Uwakwe Reflections is a concept I hope to develop in future.

The past one year was not easy for me. The task of coming up with reflections every Sunday was a very big challenge. Within the seminary environment, I was better disposed and enabled to write them than during holidays. Another challenge was popularizing my website to make the reflections available to many people. Thanks to GOOGLE whose approval and support I have enjoyed.

The story so far is not my success story but the story of God working through a weak instrument. It dawned on me that I am not just a writer but a preacher of the Word and therefore, ought to practise what I preach. From my experiences so far, I have realized that for a preacher to preach well, he/she must be in good communion with God. This therefore challenged me to work towards a better spirituality.

For this one year, I am ever grateful to God for His graces, blessings and the privileges He has granted me through my reflections. I am indebted to Our Lady, to my special friend and patroness St Philomena, my patrons Sts Francis of Assisi, John Chrysostom and Anthony of Padua.

I equally thank my family members for their love and support. I appreciate the encouragement I received from Frs Donatus Uwah, Paul Ogujioffor,  Joseph Uwah, Charles Uchendu, Tony Atansi, Akam Felix, Melchizedeck Obi, Malachy Idogwu and all my priest friends. I am also very grateful to Sr Lilian Nwachukwu (DDL) for motivating and challenging me positively. I also owe much thanks to my classmates (3^rd Year Philosophy Students, Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu) and diocesans (Okigwe Diocesan Seminarians).

My appreciation would be incomplete without special thanks to my special friend and colleague, Ugwueze Teclus. He was my roommate when this idea was conceived and was more than an intellectual midwife who saw to its glorious birth. He has been a great source of encouragement and inspiration to me. This appreciation would also be incomplete without great thanks to Chigoze (Roma-Italia). He has been a good friend and has appreciated and encouraged me a lot.

I cannot forget the great sacrifices of Ifi Felix, Iloabuchi Jude, Ezeokeke Anthony, Alexander Okoli, Utazi Justin, Ujunwa Emmanuel, Iziga Osita, Okwuosa Zikodi, Ozonze Joachim, Nwafor Emmanuel and Okafor Johnmark. They were always there for me to edit my reflections and make meaningful input despite their tight schedules. If I have produced anything meaningful, then thanks to them while I bear responsibility for all errors. To those I was unable to mention, may God bless you all. To God be the glory!

-                Uwakwe Chibuike MFC

                                                                                  (December 2 2012, First Sunday of Advent Year C)