At the age of 11, School of Ministry alumni Rev. Patrick Olaleye '11 received his
calling to the priesthood and embraced the vocation at the age of 18. He entered a
high school formation program at a minor seminary in Nigeria and in 1993, proceeded
to the major seminary. In 2002, he was ordained for the Catholic Diocese of Ibadan,
Nigeria.
In 2004, Rev. Olaleye was asked by his archbishop to go on mission to the Catholic
Archdiocese in Abuja, Nigeria, and in 2007 he was sent on mission to the Diocese of
Dallas. Since then, he has been serving as the Parochial Vicar at St. Ann's Parish
in Coppell, Texas. These two experiences have been humbling for Rev. Olaleye and have
had a profound impact. "Those experiences are influential to my approach to my ministry
because I am always mindful of the fact that I am representing my Archdiocese, Archbishop,
priests, and my people wherever I find myself working."
As a priest, Rev. Olaleye takes his duties toward the members in his Catholic community
very seriously and understands the great importance of instructing the faithful in
religious matters.
After his father's death in 2003, Rev. Olaleye was inspired to work toward a certificate
in Clinical Pastoral Education, which he pursued in UD's School of Ministry. His father
was hospitalized for three months before his death in Nigeria and the experience challenged
Rev. Olaleye to make himself available to the sick. "I saw in him the need not only
of medical and spiritual support, but availability of the presence of one who cares."
Rev. Olaleye had a positive impression of his professors and courses in the School
of Ministry. "The most impressive part from the lecturers is the constant effort in
making the courses very practical and relevant to the student's area of specialization."
Rev. Olaleye graduated in 2011 with a master's in pastoral ministry with a concentration
in health care ministry. The education he received, including certification in clinical
pastoral education, will assist him in his ministry to the sick. He believes that
his presence will help to provide hope in God for recovery or preparation for Heaven
in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
