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Ven, Mar

On 6 April 2021, the Society of St Paul in Nigeria begins a new chapter in its history with the solemn inauguration of the newly constituted Region. The ceremony began with the mass of the Holy Spirit at 10:30 am, in the community chapel at Ibadan. The Mass was officiated by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Leke the Archbishop of Ibadan together with His Grace Felix Alaba Job Archbishop Emeritus. Fr Joseph Kandachamkunnel, the Regional Superior, at the beginning of the mass welcomed everyone and read out the letter from the Superior General in which he extended his warm wishes and blessings on the assembly members and all present. Among those who attended the mass was the Rector of the Major Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul Very Rev. Fr Anthony Ewherido, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese Rev. Fr Gregory Oyelami, the Dean Very Rev. Felix Ethapemi, Priests from the neighboring parishes and religious communities, the Daughters of St Paul, from Lagos, and some well-wishers cooperators from the worshipping community.  

In his homily, the Archbishop appreciated the contributions of the congregation to the church in Nigeria and encouraged us to continue the apostolate as it is so relevant to the people of this time. He invoked the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire all the deliberations of the Assembly. The Archbishop Emeritus Felix Alaba Job addressing the gathering recounted his encounter with Don Alberione in Rome and also how he was instrumental in welcoming the congregation to Nigeria. He extended his best wishes and prayers for the new region. At the close of the Mass the superior of the community, Fr Robert Correa, thanked the Archbishops, priests, sisters, and the faithful for their valuable presence. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of the cake and fellowship meal in the refectory.

At 5 pm all the members of the assembly gathered in the community chapel to begin their recollection conducted by Friar Thaddeus Michael Bini OFM. The friar in his talk gave a historical and theological background of the term assembly/chapter and emphasized the importance of synodality to make assembly/chapter more relevant and fruitful. The talk was followed by confession and the visit to the Blessed Sacrament.  

Dove Siamo