FIRST RELIGIOUS PROFESSION OF SR’S GRACE ABAH, PATIENCE EFFIONG AND PATRICIA TITCOMBE IN THE CONGREGATION DAUGHTERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE 15^TH DAY OF JUNE, 2013 IN THE NOVITIATE COMMUNITY.

Great is our joy in the presence of the Lord a song composed by one of us for our profession Patience Emmanuel Effiong. Shout of joy in the Novitiate community of the Congregation Daughters of the Holy Spirit on the 15^th day of June 2013 as three young women gave themselves to God. Where they pronounce the three evangelical council, Chastity, Poverty and obedience. The celebration began with Eucharistic celebration which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Christopher Jolaosho of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta.

The first reading which was taken from prophet Isaih 61:9-11……., second reading from Philippians 2:1-4 which talks about seeing others b better than yourself  and the gospel reading from John 15:1-8, which talks about the vine and the branches. The homilist congratulates the Abah, Effiong and Titcombe’s  family for giving their daughters to the service of God and man and pray that God’s blessing will remain with them.

Rev Fr Peter Adeyemi in his homily stressed on perseverance and patient  while he  cited a life story of a nun who at the age of 105 had spent 86years of her life as a religious and she has never been bored he encouraged the sisters yet to commit themselves to be happy in the life they have chosen. “Even if I had married a prince , I would not be happier than I am now.” Said sister Teresita. Also in an interview with the Spanish daily newspaper “Correo” she explained that a vocation is something huge and requires perseverance, but brings great joy.

Rev Fr Peter Adeyemi said that a vow is a promise made to God, it is binding and it is different from ordinary resolutions which is a present intention to do or omit certain things in the future. And that a religious must be different from every other women in the society, because as branches of the vine they will be pruned through their obedience to the congregation and faithfulness to the charism of the founder. Fr. congratulates Sr Helena and her council as they finish their mandate with this great joy of the gifts of Sr’s Grace Abah, Patience Effiong and Patricia Titcombe to the congregation and for Sr Monica and her council for beginning with them.  Furthermore, he said there is never a time we can claim we have been formed fully, the struggles to overcome temptations, difficulties and problems is continuous and so it is our sincere effort to love Christ and his church. Finally he prayed that the Almighty who chose them will sustain them in this journey they have courageously began.  Families (biological and religious) friends, parishioners of St. Lawrence Catholic Church Imo Ilesa, parishioners from Saints Michael and Mary Erin-Oke and Erin-Ijesha rejoiced with the newly professed in thanksgiving to God for their gift to the church.

The MC Sr Theresa Ogechi Onu DHS gave vote of thanks to all present and congratulate the sisters for another addition to their number.