CLARETIANS EAST NIGERIA PROVINCE CELEBRATE FIRST AND FINAL PROFESSION.

by cmf
In an atmosphere of joy and deep gratitude to God, the Claretian Missionaries East Nigeria Province held its First and Final Religious Profession ceremony on Sunday, 8th September 2024. The event took place at St. Anthony Mary Claret Parish, Area A, New Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Three young novices—Arthur Emmanuel, Nwobi David, and Ogakwu Dominic—made their first religious profession, while three temporarily professed students—Dike Stephen, CMF, Nwaogwugwu Kevin, CMF, and Onwe Peter, CMF—made their final profession. The Provincial Superior of the Claretian Missionaries, East Nigeria Province, Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF, received the vows.
This solemn event marked a significant milestone in the lives of the six young missionaries, the Claretian Province of East Nigeria, and the entire Congregation. It represented a step towards deeper consecration in the service of the Lord through living out the evangelical counsels in the Claretian Charism, professed in the presence of God’s people and their biological families. Following the example of St. Anthony Mary Claret, they have chosen to follow Christ, who was chaste, poor, and obedient to the Father’s will, dedicating themselves to the service of the gospel as Christ gave himself for the redemption of the world.
The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Nathaniel, commenced at 11 a.m. Numerous Claretian priests, Lay Claretians, Claretian Sisters, family members of the candidates, and other guests, attended the event. In his homily, the Provincial Superior explained the significance of the religious vows and introduced the congregation, especially family members of the candidates to the lifestyle of the Claretian Missionaries. He emphasized to the candidates the meaning and demands of their calling, describing it as a radical commitment that requires leaving everything behind for the sake of the kingdom of God and in imitation of Jesus. He exhorted the candidates to remain faithful to their vows, drawing inspiration from St. Anthony Mary Claret and the Claretian Martyrs. Additionally, he encouraged the young missionaries to immerse themselves in the word of God through study, to understand God’s will, and to become men of prayer.
After the mass, attendees moved to the auditorium of Claret Academy Secondary School in New Owerri, where the day’s celebration concluded with interactions and refreshments. The parents and family members of the newly professed expressed their joy and gratitude to God, appreciating the congregation and pledging to support their sons. They also committed to collaborating with the congregation to help their sons realize their vocation.
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