Welcome Fr. Peter Bassey!

Fr. Peter Bassey Introduction – August 2021

     I am happy and humbled to be joining the faith community of Saint Mary’s and Saint John’s in Olean, New York from my three-year-assignment at Nativity in Orchard Park as a Parochial Vicar. I believe that a faith community is stronger when we share our faith together. With that said, I want to share a little bit about myself with all of you! When I was a seminarian, and even now as a priest, I have shared my vocation's story too many times to the extent that I have lost count. People are always curious to find out why I entered seminary, so there are times I am asked to speak in a formal gathering like a school, church, or other events. Then there are times where it happens in a casual conversation with friends or even people I've just met. The road to priesthood can be long and winding, as it is for most people. I began my journey in my hometown Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria. I am from a family of six—four boys and two girls. I'm the fourth child of my parent. My eldest sister and both of my parents are now deceased.

      I was born and raised in a traditional, loving, and lively Catholic home. My parents were very encouraging; teaching my siblings and I how to explore our full potential and the many possibilities that life can afford.  They helped us to be optimistic in life and in every given situation. They were always encouraging me to embrace my dreams and passion in life.

     Having been exposed and immersed in Catholic Education — it is not strange for a young man to consider priesthood for the time being in their life. For some, they consider it, but it becomes a thing of the past when they graduate from high school. However, my discernment process began when I was nine years old. I casually said to my Dad during Mass one of the Sundays: “ I want to be a priest.” I bet my Dad of blessed memory at the time probably thought it's just a little boy talking; perhaps fantasizing because of the image of a priest he presented to me.  That is, a priest is like a shepherd who takes care of his sheep. Also, a priest is someone who serves other people, and he is like Jesus. I was blown away by such an image, and I thought that was so cool! I wanted to be that person.

      My seminary journey began to unfold at a very young age as I studied at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in my hometown. This is typically a place where teens discern their vocations and high school education. During those times, the faith that I was taught helped in nurturing my discernment process to the priestly ministry. After my minor seminary studies and formational training, I continued my philosophical studies and formation at St. Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.  There I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urban University of Rome and University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in 2010 — since both Universities were affiliated with the seminary. After my graduation in 2010, I took some time off to prepare for my next life adventure. In 2012, I accepted admission into the graduate program at Providence College in Rhode Island where I  obtained my Master's in Theological studies. Upon my move to the United States in 2013, one of my friends— who is currently a priest in our diocese, spoke to me about continuing my discernment in the diocese of Buffalo. During my time at Providence College, I remained in deep prayer and reflection. I decided to further my discernment of priestly formation in the diocese of Buffalo, which I began in the fall of 2013.

      The next chapter of my life followed a standard five years of studies and formation, with summer ministries. During these times, seminarians will serve at different parish assignments over the summer, along with one full year of ministry and six months of diaconal work that may involve baptizing, presiding at funeral services, and witnessing weddings. In 2014, I was assigned to the Church of the Annunciation in Elma, where I worked with Fr. Eugene Ulrich with summer mission, the annual picnic, and training altar servers. On a personal level, I connected with parishioners and developed life long friendships. In 2015, I was assigned to St. Benedict Parish in Eggertsville, where I served with Father Robert Mock, learning the ropes of running a parish.

      It was a different dynamic— the pastor there exposed me to how a parish is managed. He showed me the practical things I would be doing in ministries such as marriage preparation, funerals, and youth ministry. I attended finance and parish council meetings. I visited the school and preached during school Masses. As days became years, I was ordained a Deacon in September 2017 and assigned back to Annunciation as a transitional deacon, where I served while finishing up my last year of studies and formation.

      One element of my formation that truly stands out was my 12-week Clinical Pastoral Education at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. That was a graced time for me. That was a ministry, and I saw a lot of human suffering involving illness and sickness. I saw people at their lowest, and I spent time consoling families during the loss of a loved one. At the end of the day, I'd ask myself: "What did I do for others?"
I recalled a time being ushered into the operating room by a patient scared of surgery. The clinic had other chaplains, but this man wanted to talk to me. So I scrubbed up and went where I was called.

      I can recollect that the man did not want to go through with the surgery he was scheduled for. After talking and praying with him, I told him: “God is going to be with you. We are all here for you, and I will be outside praying for you.” This visit was a comforting visit to the man because we both were Catholics, and we had a special devotion and relationship with Mary. We became friends during post-op care. That exposed me to the real deal of ministry. At the end of the day I was exhausted, but I was happy that I touched other people's lives. A minister should be exhausted at the end of the day. We are called to serve. We are called to be present to people. We are not called to ourselves. We are called to something higher.