By Sara Goode
In a world filled with stories of migration and transformation, one man’s journey stands out not for the miles he traveled, but for the profound spiritual path he has taken. Reverend Moses Ikuelogbon, a devoted priest who hails from the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria comes to United States, where he dedicated his life to spreading the message of God. Father Moses as he is affectionately known by his congregation, has become a be-loved figure in his new home here in Ellicottville, inspiring countless souls.
Father Moses was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He was one of seven children, growing up in a big family with religious traditions. Father Moses tells me, “I grew up in a household where we prayed every morning at 5am. My dad has a bell, he would ring the bell at 5am and every-one would come out in the morning to pray. That came to bring my spirituality from home.” Father Moses also served at the alter and sang in the church choir in Nigeria where he became further inspired to be on the path he is today as he loved the way the priests did their programs. As he grew older, Father Moses felt a powerful calling to the priesthood. In 2013, Father Moses made his way to The United States where he attend-ed seminary college to become a priest and also studied philosophy and theology. Father Moses explains, “To study to become a priest you must study philosophy and theology. Imagine if someone is telling you some-thing, you don’t side, there are objectives in love with wisdom.” After 5 years of studying, Father Moses joined Saint the Gregory Great Roman Catholic church parish in Willamsville, NY for 3 years before he came to Ellicottville to serve The Three Catholic Sisters of The Foothills- Holy name of Mary located in Ellicottville, Saint Philomena located in Franklinville NY, and Our Lady of Peace of Salamanca, NY, where he has been for just over 1 year.
Father Moses’ face lights up as he tells me about his thoughts and feelings on the Ellicottville community and his transition here. He tells, “Ellicottville is a neat community and fine environment, the people are very welcoming… I cherish community; it’s in the community we find our identity and find purpose and reason.”
With all of the activities Ellicottville has to offer, from hitting the slopes at our local ski resorts, to biking the glorious paths; there is so much to soak up in the beautiful scenery surrounding Ellicottville. Father Moses plans to indulge in as much as he can. Father Moses really appreciates what Ellicottville has to offer. On his free time, he participates in the community by playing tennis, soccer, golfing, mountain biking and swimming. He recently joined Warrior Fitness & Wellness gym located in the village at 5 Park Avenue where he enjoys working out. He feels blessed to be in an area where he can take part in so many communal activities and is excited to be introducing himself to more people.
Ellicottville is also known as a popular place where people come to wed being charmed by the views of the chairlifts and enchanted landscapes that hang like a painting in the visions of locals and visitors. Father Moses tells me about his love for performing wedding rituals and the love and joy that surrounds in doing so, “I love weddings, I love family, I come from a big family and it’s enjoyable seeing the families come together in love. When 2 people get married, the 2 families also get married too. It’s some-thing really big.”
Father Moses has not only been a spiritual guide here but also a source of comfort for those in need. When people rejoice, it brings Father Moses great joy. His story serves as an inspiration to others who may be navigating their own paths of faith and transformation.
He continues to inspire and uplift through his unwavering commitment to his faith and community. He stands as a testament to the power of faith, the universality of love, and the extraordinary impact that one individual can have when they answer a divine calling. In a world often marked by division, Father Moses reminds us that faith and love can transcend continents and cultures, binding us together in a shared journey toward spiritual fulfillment.