First and Perpetual Professions in East Nigeria Province

September 11, 2022

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On the Feast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 8 September 2022 at the Claret House of Theology Chapel, Attakwu, Enugu, ten novices, Ade Gabriel, Akeme Emmanuel, Anadu Philip, Anih Matthew, Ashikem Paul, Ike David, Meke Paschal, Nimo Douglas, Okafor Martin, and Otuibe Nichodemus made their first profession while the students, Ezeokobe Peregrine, Iheanacho Sixtus and Okafor Peter Damian, cmff made their final commitments in the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Eucharistic Celebration which began at 10am was presided over by Fr. Rowland Onyenali, cmf, the Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life, while several other priests concelebrated. Other consecrated persons, the families and friends of the professandi were present at the Mass.

In his homily, Fr Rowland Onyenali, CMF, stated that, “the professandi have left everything to follow Christ who is poor, chaste and obedient. Like modern-day Abrahams they have left everything to follow Christ – it is a very costly decision that fundamentally determines the trajectory of their lives. The Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life said that “you cannot be a follower of Christ without first being with him, without having a personal relationship with him, one cannot be an apostle without first being a disciple. Discipleship is about renunciation of the self, carrying our crosses daily and following him (cf.Mt 10:38, Lk 14:27, Mk 8:34).” “The insignia of the cross, he continues, “is a sign of your readiness to carry the cross and follow Christ. Anyone who reverences the cross, carries the cross around but without accepting his daily crosses is involved in a certain form of idolatry. Think of the crosses you are ready to carry for Christ.”

After the Eucharistic celebration, the family and friends of the professed, were treated to a wonderful reception and entertainment by the Claretian students.