Meet Our Pastor
Father Cosmas Ajawara was born in Umuowa Orlu, Nigeria. He began his journey toward the priesthood in 1983 when at the age of twelve he entered Bonus Pastor Seminary Osina as a minor seminarian. He later continued his minor seminary formation at St. Mary’s Seminary Umuowa. After completing this stage of formation, he spent a year serving in the Bishop’s Office before proceeding in 1989 to Bigard Memorial Seminary, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1993.
He then undertook a pastoral internship at Bonus Pastor Seminary Osina from 1993 to 1994. Following this, he returned to Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, to begin his theological formation, which he successfully completed in 1998 earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology.
Father Cosmas was ordained to the priesthood for the Catholic Diocese of Orlu, Nigeria on August 15, 1998. After his ordination, he was assigned to the Chancery Office, where he served as the Bishop’s Undersecretary for two years. In 2000, he was appointed Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboko, a role he faithfully carried out until June 2003 when he moved to Canada for further studies at St Paul University Ottawa and at the same time doing pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Kingston as a Fidei Donum priest.
His first pastoral assignment in the Archdiocese was at Holy Cross Parish Kemptville, along with the mission of St. Daniel’s Church South Mountain, where he served from 2003 to 2005. In 2005, he was transferred to Merrickville, where he ministered for three years. From 2008 to 2009, he served as Parish Administrator at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Kingston Mills.
Subsequently he was appointed to serve as the Administrator of St. Mary of the Presentation Parish, Chesterville while also returning to serve the mission of St. Daniel’s in South Mountain. During his eight years of ministry in Chesterville and South Mountain, the community experienced a profound tragedy when St. Daniel’s Church was destroyed by a devastating fire. Through dedicated leadership and close collaboration with parishioners, Father Cosmas guided the rebuilding of the church, rebuilding not only the physical structure but also strengthening the faith and unity of the community.
In addition to these pastoral responsibilities, Fr. Cosmas continued to pursue his further education at St Paul University. In 2010, he obtained a Master’s degree in Counselling and Spirituality, and a Doctorate degree in Ministry from Saint Paul University Ottawa in 2017.
On August 1, 2017, Father Cosmas was appointed to St. Mary’s Church, Carleton Place where he served faithfully for five years. Then in August 2022, Archbishop Michael Mulhall appointed him as the Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church Kingston, where he continues his pastoral ministry today.
Father Cosmas has a deep passion for family ministry, intercultural ministry, catechesis, and parish renewal. His priestly life is marked by a strong commitment to evangelization, attentive pastoral care, and the building of vibrant, faith-filled communities. His hobbies include, writing, research and meeting people and traveling.
