HAPPY PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY

When a parish gathers to celebrate the milestone of their shepherd, the choir loft needs a song that captures both the solemnity of the vocation and the joy of the occasion. "Happy Priestly Anniversary" by Collins Nwambam does exactly that. Written specifically to honor a twentieth ordination anniversary—specifically for Rev. Fr. Peter Kolawole Osuntope—the piece opens with a reverent, unhurried introduction acknowledging the eternal nature of the priesthood "in the line of Melchizedek."

After the solemn opening, the tempo lifts into a bright, rhythmic chorus that feels like a true celebration. The verses speak directly to the dedication required to serve at the altar, thanking the priest for accepting God's divine call and reminding everyone that "many were called but few were chosen."

It is a wonderful choice for any parish marking a priest's ordination anniversary, offering a heartfelt "cheers to you padre" from the congregation and the singers alike. The straightforward English lyrics and engaging four-part harmony make it an uplifting, accessible anthem for the special day, allowing the whole church to share in the gratitude for a life given to God's service.