Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province

JULY/AUGUST Special ISSUE | 15 AUGUST 2018

— continued on page 2

In this issue:● International SSL Associate

Leadership Teams’Meeting 2018

● Walking in the Footsteps ofOur Ancestors

● First Nigeria ProvinceGeneral Retreat

● Celebrating God’s Grace● Mission for Life● An Excursion● An August Visitor● Send-forth● The Gift of Louisville● Vocation Promotion● Heart of the Matter● The Road Not Taken● Choices

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— Mrs Juliet Sule,SSL Associates National Secretary, Nigeria Province

From 28 May to 2 June 2018, Paris played host to 22 representatives of SSLAssociates from five countries for their International Associate LeadershipTeams’ Meeting 2018. There were two participants from Brazil and five

from each of California (USA), Ghana, Ireland and Nigeria. The Nigerian teamarrived in Paris on 27 May to the welcoming arms of Sr. Cecilia Uzodike and Sr.Mary Jo Abba at the venue. Three members of the Central Leadership Teamjoined the delegates at the meeting. There were two resource persons: (1) Rev.Fr. Patrick Mwania from Kenya (who talked on The Theology and Role of Laityin the Church and Developing and Nourishing the Role and Participants ofthe Laity for the Future Growth and Vibrancy of the Church), (2) Mrs. Moira

A REPORT ON THEINTERNATIONAL SSL ASSOCIATELEADERSHIP TEAMS’ MEETING 2018

The Nigerian Province SSL Associates representatives to the international leadership meeting, L-R:Mrs Juliet Sule, Mrs Hannatu Tagwai, Mrs Justina Adeboyejo and Mrs Alice Bolatan

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Brehony, an Associated of the Medical Missionaries of Mary(MMM) from Ireland (who talked on The Place and Role ofAssociates as Laity in the Church and Society). SistersCecilia Uzodike and Mary Jo Abba were support personnelat the meeting.

The Purposes of the Meeting were:● To facilitate greater understanding of associate

membership by broadening understanding andexperience of the role of Associates in contemporaryChurch and Society.

● To take responsibility for the initial and ongoingformation programs by reviewing the current program,developing leadership skills and finding ways to attractnew members

● To facilitate greater understanding of promotion andownership of the St Louis Mission & Charism.

● To promote community and facilitate greatercollaboration nationally and internationally amongassociates using Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT) and to discern the possibility offorming an International Coordinating Team which willcontinue to animate group.

● To develop next steps

We had very productive discussions on:● Associates’ understanding of their role as Laity as a

influenced by the New Theology and Insights of VaticanII.

● The relationship between the clergy, religious and thelaity.

● The new opportunities with regard to the layinvolvement in the Church today.

● The qualities of an Associate● Associates’ daunting challenges vis-à-vis the group and

the affiliate congregation/institute● Concrete ways lay people could be engaged in the

Church for a more vibrant church in their respectivecontexts.

● The charism, mission and spirituality of the Sisters ofSt Louis

We were were fully prepared as leaders and people ona mission at the meeting. We were charged with theresponsibility to bring in new, young members, and makeour groups vibrant by attending meetings regular, sharingresources and standing up for the poor and the voiceless.

We visited Juilly, the Cradle of the Institute of St Louis,where we were received by the sisters. Sr. Brid Long andSr. Gladys Ekhareafo, serving as archivists/guides, gave usbrief introduction on the founding members inside thechurch they used in those days. They showed us founders’relics. We saw the engraved items of Louis Bautain, hiscutlery, candle with its stand, his academic degrees as wellas the first rules and customs of the Sisters of St Louis. We

saw some original pictures of our founders and theTurkenstein Pact. The college built by Louis Bautain wasstill standing strong. They told us that the college was onlyclosed in 2012. The place is now used by religious andpeople who come to study and pray in solitary. The otherbuildings used for different purposes still stand. We visitedthe tomb of Louis Bautain and saw the graves of the otherfounders. We saw, and we touched all we had heard andread about our founders before during the visit to Juilly.The experience felt like going to Jerusalem and seeing thethings and places we read in the Bible.

We are very grateful to the Sisters of St Louis, theCentral Leadership Team under the leadership of Sr.Winifred Ojo; to Nigerian Province Sisters under theleadership of Sr Isabel Mann and our Associate Liaison onLeadership Team Sr. Bridget Agum, for giving us theopportunity to attend and participate in the AssociateInternational Meeting 2018. May the good Lord reward andcrown all your effort as you serve Him in His vineyard, Amen.

INTERNATIONAL SSL ASSOCIATES MEETING —continued from page 1

ABOVE: Nigerian SSL Associates’ representatives relaxing with the sisters atJuilly (Sr. Winifred Ojo appears in the background)BELOW: Nigerian SSL Associates’ representatives with their counterpartsat the Chapel in Cours Bautain Elementary School, Juilly

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It was exhilarating to make theheritage pilgrimage to Europe. Iwas at first scared and wondered

how I would travel for six solid hoursin the air but the presence of about60 children who boarded the aircraftwith me gave me courage. I prayedthe Rosary, it was then I became calmand relaxed. I entrusted the journeyto God and I enjoyed the trip.

Upon our arrival in Paris, Sr.Gladys Ekhareafo, one of theNigerian Sisters living and working inFrance, gave me a ride from theairport to the community in Juilly. Itwas there I met sisters ElizabethBeirne, Anne Killeen and Clare Ryan.The sisters gave me a warm welcomeand offered me a delicious breakfast.Later, Sr. Cecilia Uzodike brought mewarm clothing.

I was delighted to be part of thehistory making event. The purpose ofthe pilgrimage was to deepen theparticipants’ knowledge of St Louisheritage and to unify and strengthentheir bond as one family. There weretwenty participants from differentregions and province within theinstitute of the sisters of St Louis. Theparticipants include: 14 sisters fromBrazil /, , Ghana, France, EnglishMission and Nigeria Province and 6lay people from California, England

and Nigeria. Sisters Brid Long andJudith Dieterle in their usual mannerwelcomed the pilgrims. Sr. Brid Longled the opening prayer. Then eachparticipant introduce themselves. Sr.Brid and Mr. Julian (Tour Guard)displayed a good mastery of the task.They took us to every nook andcranny of the place and gave detailedinformation. Some of the fascinatingplaces we went were: St. Louis housein Paris, the magnificent Cathedral ofNotre Dame, the most visitedCathedral in France by pilgrims, theplace where Bautain preached oftenin 1842 to thousands of pilgrims, St.Etienne du Mont: shrine of St.Genevieve, Louis Bautain alsopreached there many times. Basilicaof Notre Dame des Victories, it wasthere that Sisters Genevieve Beale,Claire O’ Sulluivan and ClemenceMcCathy were missioned to Irelandon December 27th 1858 etc. Wecontinued our tour to Strasbourg andbeyond. Lucretia Fusted deCouyanges: the college Royal whereLouis Colmar was a student andLouis Bautain taught philosophy. Allthe magnificent Cathedral andChurches visited connected my heartto heavenly things. There is joy onearth but the fullness of it is ineternity.

At Turquestein, on the Feast ofthe Sacred Heart, June 23rd 1797,Louis Colmar, Louise Humann andThérèse Brek signed the Pact ofUnion, which is central to our life asSt. Louis today. We had our lunchthere, took some photographs andwalked through the forest in searchof the Sacred Altar which we foundin the heart of one another.Baden-Baden, it was there, at thehealing waters of Baden that LouisBautain met Louise Humann onAugust 15th 1820. Mrs. Margaret Leeand I enjoyed our company as wewent through different stages ofBaden-Baden swimming. It was fun,and accommodating in respective ofcolour, race, culture and position. Wewere all like one big family made inthe likeness and image of God andhonouring the divine in one another(Genesis1:27) My visit to Etampes and Grignycommunities afforded me theopportunity to see the great work ourSisters are doing with children,youths, women and the lessprivileged. The missionaries from theNigerian Province are: Sisters CeciliaUzodike, Gladys Ekhareafo, MaryJoAbba, Francisca Nwachukwu andMary Ogunjobi. The Sisters treated

Walking in the Footstepsof our Ancestors and Founders

L-R: (1) The St. Louis Institute at Juilly (2) Louis Bautain’s relics (3) The Turkenstein Cross and Pact

—continued on page 4

— Franca Ola, SSLwith Sr. Bridget Agum, SSL

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us nicely with lots of African delicious meals.

In conclusion, I will like to express my sincere gratitudeto God and to all those who made the journey to Parispossible for all the participants. The pilgrimage waswonderful, educative, and enriching. I am challenged tobe more committed in carrying on the good works andlegacy our founders left behind and keep Sint Unummore alive in my own generation. Indeed we musttreasure our rich heritage. Sr Bridget Agum in her ownwords too enjoyed the Pilgrimage experiencetremendously.

L-R: TOP: The Ancestors of SSLMIDDLE: (L) Louis Bautain’s academic certificates (2) Copies of thefirst Rules and Customs of the SSLBELOW: Tombstone of Louis Bautain

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS… —continued from page 3

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— Anthonia Eneanya SSL

History was made in the life of the Sisters ofSt. Louis, Nigeria Province in July 2018 as theygathered for their first General Retreat at

Abbé Louis Bautain and Catechetical Centre, Itelefrom the 23 to 30 July 2018. The retreat was facilitatedby Bro. Nee of Holy Cross congregation, Ghana andFr. Noel of Redemptorist Fathers, Ibadan, Nigeria. The traditional annual renewal/refresher course,which was initiated in August 2012 by Sr. Rita Akin-Otiko and her team, took another shape this year asthe first ever group retreat for all Sisters of St. Louisin the Province — within and outside Nigeria. Over95 sisters were present at this historic event torefresh and renew their strength. It was also a periodwhen Sisters look forward to meeting one another. Reflections for the retreat were centred on thefollowing subjects among others:● the Projection of ‘the self’ and the projection of

Christ;● the ‘Unfreedoms’ such as unhealthy or

compulsive demand, unhealthy expectations andimpure motives;

● Fostering companionship;● Forgiveness;● Prayer as a means of making Christ increase and

Ministry — a concrete expression of God’s Love.

As is the tradition, the one week retreat ended withSt. Louis Family get-together on the evening of 29July.

FIRST SSL NIGERIA PROVINCE GENERAL RETREAT HOLDS

SSL at the retreat

Sisters catching some fun

Sisters listening on during one of the sessions

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Celebration of God’s Grace— ‘Pelumi O’Dusnin, Ibadan

The Kolapo-Ishola community hosted a modest partyto celebrate the grace of God upon the trio of sistersIsabel Mann, Josephine Tiav and Anthonia Eneanya.

Sisters Isabel and Anthonia turned 70 and 40 respectivelywhile Sr Josephine was anticipating 50. The celebrationkicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass at 10:00 am at theProvincial House chapel. Immediately afterwards, the guestswere ushered in to the dining for entertainment andrefreshment. The highlight of the party was Sr. MaryOkewola’s rendition of Oriki Olodumare (God’s panegyric),which was simply mesmerising. There were a few familymembers of the celebrants around. The friends, associatesand staff of the communities too were in attendance.Everyone was treated to a decent tasty meal. The beautifulbirthday cakes were baked by Mater Dei Centre, Akure andALBRC confectionary, Itele. We pray that the sisters continueto age in grace.

Barrister Rachel Alonge, SSL

A DREAM COME TRUE!— Veronica Orunmoluyi, SSL

Just like yesterday, the “self” was rediscovered; a passion was awakened,nature was nurtured and built on grace. Strong will and determinationtook over the stage and today (10 July 2018) we celebrate its outcome,

we celebrate an accomplishment of a great Sister of St. Louis, Sr. RachelAbimbola Alonge. Truly, “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter ofchoice; it is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved”. —Williams Jennings Bryan.

We rejoice with you dear sister on this remarkable occasion of being“Called to Bar”. To you and to us, it is a dream come true. It is the work ofthe Lord, a marvel to behold. It is the fruit of so much hard labour withsleepless nights and burning midnight candle. We are proud of you. You aresurely a pace-setter, a challenge and motivator to the younger generation!

The celebrants flanked by sisters, a priest, guests and relatives during the cakecutting ritual

Sr. Mary Okewola renders Oriki Oludumare in honour of God on behalf of thecelebrants

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AN AUGUST VISITOR— Immaculata Mayaki, Postulant

We were very happy to host His Excellency ZomahounD.C. Rufin, former ambassador of Benin Republic toJapan whose jurisdiction also covered China and the

Pacific Ocean on 19 June 2018. Although it was a short visit. itremains a memorable one that cannot be forgotten so soon.

Abbé Nicodeme Balle, one of the Priests whocelebrate weekly Masses for us in the Postulancybrought Monsieur Rufin for a visit and wanted anopportunity to celebrate Mass for him in our Chapel.He also wished to use the opportunity to introducehim to us. Being a Catholic himself he was so athome with the liturgy. He joined us in most of oursongs and responded to parts of Mass. He wasoverjoyed to hear Abbé Nicodeme officiate theMass in English Language. In his homily, AbbéNicodeme focused on love and praying for ourenemies; he appreciated His Excellency for hispresence in our midst and for making time out tovisit and celebrate the Eucharist with us. When the Mass ended, he was received by Sr.Margaret Yusufu SSL who was the only Sister aroundthen, she acknowledged his many good works inBenin as a whole and his down-to-earth personalityand prayed God to bless and protect him in all hisendeavours. We soon engaged our visitor indiscussions after introductions of the postulants.He too prayed for us, he appreciated our formators.Sr. Margaret had told him of our Mistress Sr. AgnesAbba and Sr. Theresa Sheyin’s absence.

He loved the fact that the songs at Mass werein various dialects and expressed gratitude for thetranquil atmosphere he met. After groupphotographs, he went to buy few things from ourboutique, then left us with some gifts. We pray forGod’s direction and guidance upon him, Amen.

L-R, BACK ROW: Catherine, Elizabeth, Immaculata, Josephine, Mary John andAbbé Nicodème; FRONT ROW: Mary, Esther, Sr Margaret, Ambassador Rufin, Joanand Linda

Tuesday 3 July 2018 was the send-forthcelebration the 2018 year twopostulants. The day started with lots

of preparations of different kinds of food,drinks and beautiful decoration of the house.

The programme started at 2 pm. Theyear two postulants were beautifully dressedin native attires of the same style. The nicesmiles all over their faces added more colourto their looks. Immaculata Mayaki led theopening prayer after which the MCs, CelestinaIsaac and Immaculata Mayaki ushered thecelebrants: Juliet, Mary, Esther, Linda, andJoan to their specially decorated seats. A briefwelcome remark was given by Sr TheresaPeter. In her speech, she congratulated thecelebrants, encouraged them and wishedthem a happy celebration and success as theycontinue in their formation. A special welcome song was renderedafterward by the first year postulants,followed by a surprise act where eachcelebrant picked a number and then gave abrief profile of the person picked. Specialsongs were presented by the first yearpostulants as a group and individually. Thiswas followed by a dance in colourfulcostumes. As the programme continued,there was a pick and act game where thecelebrants picked a number and actedaccording to the instruction attached to thenumber. It was really fun and interesting assome were asked to sing the NationalAnthem, recite their best memory verses,dance to a music and lots more.

Gifts were presented by the communityand from the first year postulants. Thesecond year postulants in turn presented agift to the community as a sign of theirappreciation. There were lots of dancing,praying and rejoicing. After all the fun therewas refreshment. The food was so tasty anddelicious, so we ate and ate and drank to oursatisfaction. After the refreshment, thecelebrants gave a vote of thanks appreciatingthe community for moulding their lives towhat they have become today andencouraged us to be together and alwayscarry each other along, never to forget Maryour mother, the great intercessor who knowshow best to pray for her children. A closing remark was given by Sr.Theresa Peter, encouraging them to beprayerful, and persevere to the end, urgingthem to be united and help each other ontheir journey. She wished them journeymercies and God’s protection as they go forretreat and for holidays. The celebrationcame to an end with a closing prayer led byElizabeth Okoh. We were all filled with somuch joy and excitement as we bid themfarewell. Our prayer for them is God’scontinued protection and grace to alwaysstand the test of time.

SENT FORTH PRAYER FOR2018 YEAR TWO POSTULANTS

— Elizabeth Okoh, Postulant

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Deepening GC 2015 Calls

MISSION FOR LIFEGWAGWALADA COMMUNITY

Mission is following Christ’s call and sharing thegospel with the world. It is keeping to Christ’scommand to his disciples as in Matthew 10:

7-8, “… and preach as you go saying the kingdom of heavenis at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, castout demons. You received without paying, give without pay.”As Christians and religious, we are called to witness inour communities and apostolates. Mission for life is witnessing through one’s life time.It is not just for a period of time but throughout one’sjourney on earth. Mission is not restricted tomissionaries alone or travelling outside one’s country.It can be done with the aid of media or technology. Our mission here is through catechesis andreaching out to the less privileged, and educating younggirls.

LOUISVILLE, IJEBU-ITELE COMMUNITY

There is no mission without a purpose. Lookinginto the scriptures, everyone called was calledfor a purpose. Moses in the Old Testament was

called to rescue the Israelites from Egypt. By extension,Jesus Christ in the New Testament gave the perfectexample of mission. He came into the world to save all.He did not do this alone, he did it in the company of hisdisciples. Later, the mission of Christ was entrusted tohis disciples when he ascended, and he said, “Go ye intothe whole world and make disciples of all nation”. We canconclude then that:● mission means to be sent;● mission is being sent to those that are in need;● mission begins from within as Jesus first ministered

to the disciples.● mission involves communal effort as Jesus did with

his disciples.● mission is for all whether single, married or

religious.● we as women religious have a special call to go on

mission to people no matter the race or colour.● The good use of modern technology is to enhance

mission.

AUGUST27th Sr. Monica Ibrahim Feastday27th Sr. Monica Adeya Feastday28th Sr. Augusta Ozor Feastday30th Sr. Justina Ihechere Birthday31st Sr. Isabel Mann Feastday

SEPTEMBER3rd Sr. Helen Orunkoya Birthday5th Sr. Grace Abaukaka Birthday6th Sr. Florence Akhimien Birthday6th Sr. Rachel Alonge Birthday7th Sr. Christiana Adegoroye Birthday7th Sr. Rachel Ojo Birthday8th Sr. Mary Godwin Feastday8th Sr. Joy Nosa Feastday10th Sr. Jacinta Otene Birthday10th Sr. Anthonia Titi Abe Birthday15th Sr Juliana Ajayi Feastday17th Sr. Margaret Petirin Birthday20th Sr. Francisca Akinwumi Birthday

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Parakou is one of the biggestcities here in Benin Republic. Italso serves as a major

commercial centre in the country. Wehave heard about Parakou before andimagined how big and beautiful itwould be. So, we were very excitedwhen we were told that we would begoing on an excursion to the beautifulcity of Parakou. On 12 July 2018, we quickly gotready and at 12:45 pm we began ourtrip to Parakou in company of Sr.Margaret Yusufu and Sr. Theresa PeterSheyin. We stopped briefly at Tankossito pick Fr. Patrice Dossoumou SMAwho was to serve as our guide. Alongthe way we saw the beautiful view ofthe countryside. Fr. Patrice showed usthe house of a former President ofBenin and other significant places andlandmarks. We arrived Parakou at4:45pm and went straight to the SMAparish, Notre Dame de Sacré Coeur,Banni Kanni where we got refreshedand proceeded to the male CistercianMonastery, which is 20km fromParakou town. Being our first time ina monastery, we were really curiousto know about the lives of the monksand we were not disappointed as theGuest’s Master, Frére Romainereceived us happily and patiently tookus round the monastery. He showedus their cemetery (where a Muslim,the son of their security guard is alsoburied) the garden, juice factory,orchard, the charcoal factory, the beesfarm, the cells where the monks live,the music room and the chapel. Heexplained to us that the monastery isself reliant as they work together toproduce what is needed and only goout for few things that are not in themonastery. The monastery was verypeaceful and quiet; we felt thepresence of God in the naturalvegetation around us. One thing thatstruck us was the joy which Frére

Romaine radiated — ithelped us to understandbetter that so much joyand contentment can befound when we put ourtrust in the Lord and liveonly for Him. We left themonastery and returnedto the parish. On the waywe had a good view of the city at nightwhich is really beautiful; we also sawthe government hospital, the marketand the university. At the parishhouse, we were warmly received bythe parish priest and the assistant.They were really happy to see us andprepared a sumptuous supper for us;it was also a time of reunion for FrPatrice and his brothers. After supper,we went to bed with the memory ofour visit to the monastery very muchin our minds.

We woke up early the next dayand attended mass in the parish, thenwe had our breakfast and said ourgoodbyes with a promise to keep intouch. Fr. Patrice took us to the pastoralcentre of the Archdiocese of Parakoucalled the Guy Riobe Pastoral Center.It is a big center where most of theadministrative work in thearchdiocese is done, we met PèreFoulgence the director of the placeand he told us about the centre andtook us round briefly. We went to theaudio visual unit where films,interviews and music recordings forthe archdiocese are done. Then wepaid a visit to the junior seminary,Notre Dame de Fatima which is justbeside the centre. We also went to theBishop’s house to see the Archbishopof Parakou, Bishop Pascale Nkue. Itwas a very interesting visit, the Bishopreceived us warmly in his office, hewas so happy to see us and he wantedto know more about the Sisters of St.

Louis and Sr. Margaret was ready toanswer his questions about thecongregation. He encouraged us topersevere in our formation and toalways trust in God and seek to do hiswill always. He gave us a rosary eachas a souvenir, took some photographswith us, and invited us for a gatheringof aspirants at the major seminaryfrom the 2–4 July 2018 as a way ofencouraging vocation to the religiouslife. From the Bishop’s house we wentto the female Cistercian Monasterybut could not see the nuns becausethey were at prayers and we could notwait. We left and went to the Mariangrotto about 10 minutes from themonastery called Sanctuaire de NotreDame de Komiguea (Our Lady of thefamily), the grotto is still underconstruction but it has a huge statueof our Lady dressed in an African attirewith the family encircled in her lovingarms. We gathered round the statuefor some photographs and prayed,commending all families to the tendercare of our dear Mother Mary. After the visit to the grotto, webegan our trip back home filled withso much joy as a result of the newplaces and people we had met. We arereally grateful to the Sisters of St. Louisespecially sisters Agnes Abba,Margaret Yusufu and Theresa PeterSheyin for such a memorableexcursion and for the opportunity thatwas given to us to widen our horizon.Merci beaucoup!

AN EXCURSION TO A BIG CITYIN BENIN REPUBLIC BY THESECOND YEAR POSTULANTS

The postulants with the Archbishop of Parakou, BishopPascale Nkue, during the trip

— Julliet Megwa, Postulant

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Special Feature

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— ‘Pelumi O’Dunsin, Ibadan

Miss Omigbodun Iyeyinka,B.A. Social Anthropology &African Studies (Harvard)

and an alumni of Louisville Girls HighSchool, Ijebu-Itele, Ogun, Nigeria (2011Set), turned 23 on 31 May 2018. Thedate met her rounding off hercompulsory one year National YouthService Corps (NYSC) assignment inIbadan. As part of her NYSCCommunity Development Project, shehosted a hotly contested inter-schoolquiz/reading competition at her placeof primary assignment, AnglicanCommercial Grammar School,Oritamefa, Ibadan. I was one of thethree panellists at the event. I alsodoubled as the quiz master. Five schools, including St LouisGrammar School, Mokola, Ibadan (hermother’s Alma Mater) and the hostschool, participated in thecompetition. It featured reading

comprehension test on selected texts(two of which are her own titles, TheCountry I Love [a short story] andWaiting for Justice and Peace [acollection of story] which shepublished by the end of her stay inLouisville). It also featured speakingand poetry performance as well ascurrent affairs quiz competitions.Anglican Commercial GrammarSchool, Oritamefa, Ibadan, emergedthe overall winner at the event. Theirswas a clear case of ‘home advantage’as their performance bore thehallmark of excellence imparted inthem by their youth corps teacher. Inaddition to the generous gifts andcertificates the participants went awaywith, the host school students gotgoody bags courtesy of Iyeyinka’sproject sponsors. From the donationsand support she received, sherenovated the ceiling and the floor ofthe school library and stock it with 100books and a notebook PC. The entire

school community was very happy tocelebrate her. It was an honour for me to supportthe ‘cerebral’, yet humble, Iyeyinka inher national service. Miss Omigboduntaught mathematics to SeniorSecondary School Two students in theschool during her stay. She had writtento me via Facebook Messenger earlyin her service year, “Hello, Sir… I amcurrently doing my NYSC in Ibadan. Iam teaching mathematics to SSS 2students in Anglican CommercialGrammar School. I love teaching andimparting their lives. On tough days, Iam inspired by dedicated teachers likeyou [emphasis mine]...” This is just oneof her usual kind words that wouldmake life surge through the veins of ateacher! She is just so thoughtful.Often times, I would respond to hermessages, “Let's just be grateful to Godwho connected us through Louisville.”And that’s it, let’s just be grateful to theSSL for the gift of Louisville.

THE Gift OF L O U I S V I L L E● LEFT: Miss Omigbodun with the

students of ACGS, Ibadan●RIGHT: Miss Omigbodun flanked by

the panellists at her birthday cakestand (far right, ’Pelumi O’Dunsin)

— Pascaline Okpa SSLWe took part in a joint vocation promotion for the first four daysof July 2018 at the archdiocesan Grand Séminaire: ProvidentiaDei de Gaah Baka Tchaourou Parakou. In attendance were eightReligious Congregations. Each day started with Holy hour andmeditation, followed by talks on vocation. We told the youth, 12in all, that God invites us to follow Him. Evening times wereorganized for the various congregations to make presentationson their institute's. There was time given for questions andclarifications. Although the attendance we few, we enjoyedinteracting with the youth and sharing information about ourcongregations.

Vocation Promotion in Parakou Archdiocese

A joint photograph of religious from the different congregationsand the youth at the event

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—Fr Angelo Unegbu

My dear fellow priests and religious,

We are all witnesses to the day to dayhorrors in Nigeria these days. Whowould have believed it few years ago

that our country will become a hopeless andsuicidal dungeon? Who would have believedthat leadership could create this level ofpoverty, misery and pain?

Who would have believed that a time wouldcome when parents will become afraid of therising sun because there is no food for thechildren, no money for school fees, no moneyfor house rent, no job anywhere, no paymentsfor those who have one?

No one would have believed that there wouldcome a time when kidnapping, armed robbery,bribery would no longer occupy the front pagesof our newspapers because they have becomelesser evils. Prostitution? That one is no longerfrowned at.

Day after day, we watch the core values thatmade us who we are melting and erodingaway. We are not even worried about thatbecause the stinking graves of the victims ofdaily massacres, the unquenchable smoke ofburnt down villages, the circulating picturesof butchered kids and slain innocent men andwomen, the immunity enjoyed by the killers,the fears in the air and so on have made theeroding values irrelevant in our eyes.

In all these, there seems to be no remedy inview. The darkness thickens and the tearwidens. Those who are killed by the swords ofthe invisible herdsmen are nothing comparedto the lives wasted by the poor economicpolicies of our democratic monarchs.

In the face of these, thepolitical elites are onlyconcerned with 2019elections.

The Catholic priestsand religious in Nigeriabeing the most stable,organised, networked,interconnected andpeople-oriented group

remain the only hope.

If we, priests and religious, would take sometime to reflect over the evils of our time wewould hear the subtle voice of the Lord tellingus: "Do not send them away. You give themsomething to eat", "Whatever you do to theleast of my brethren...", "feed my sheep if youlove me", "cast your net on the right side of theboat ...", "do not be afraid".

Now my humble suggestions/appeal to fellowpriests and religious:

1) Let us in our various dioceses andcongregations meet as soon as possible inorder to find out how we can help the peoplein our dioceses or regions in these tryingtimes.

2) Let us please channel a greater part of ourdiocesan and congregations' resources andattention to fighting the menace of hunger,joblessness and disease. If possible all otherchurch projects should be suspended for atleast one year.

3) This is not a time to make unnecessaryexpenses or hoarding of food or having fatbank accounts. Let us take what we needand share what remains among the needy.

4) If anybody comes to you for help, and yousincerely know you can't help, before yousend him or her away make sure you haveexhausted all possible avenues.

5) Let us limit the number of collections atmass at least for one year or if they must bemaintained let it be for helping the poordirectly. Too many collections at this timecould back fire.

6) Let us admonish our Church members tolook around and help those they canirrespective of their denominational orreligious affiliations.

7) People are dying like flies because so manysick people have no money for treatment. Iknow so many in this situation. Let us notsend them away to go and die when theyvisit our hospitals. We could appeal forfunds for their sake.

8) Let us make sure that no politician isallowed to use the pulpit for politicalcampaigns. They are the cause of ourproblems. Make sure that none of them isgiven any award of any Kind. 2019 electionsis around the corner, let us not fall into their

traps. People are watching and makingtheir judgements.

9) In as much as we teach the people to lovetheir enemies and pray for those whopersecute them, let us also remind themthat self-defence is not just a fundamentalhuman right but a duty towards oneself, thesociety and God.

10) Use every means available to expose to theworld the atrocities of these times and theirperpetrators. However, remember that anysingle case of false allegation canundermine all our efforts. Be sure of thefacts before you talk.

11) Discourage your Church members fromselling their votes, from being used aspolitical thugs, election riggers and ballotbox snatchers.

12) We have all it takes to feed this nation andto be at the fore front of socio-economicrevitalisation of the country. Let everyparish, diocese, congregation go into foodproduction by owning at least a cattle,piggery, or poultry farm or any other kindof animal husbandry or plantations.

13) No other organisation or group is in abetter position than us to pull Nigerians outof the thrash of hunger and poverty. Let usconcentrate now in training our youths tolearn handwork. Every diocese,congregation or even parishes shouldestablish and equip their own vocationalinstitutes.

14) Parishes that have Water (borehole)should this time allow people fetch free ofcharge. By so doing the people will knowthat we feel with them.

15) Hitherto in many parishes that I knowparishioners are made to pay through theirnoses before they could bury their dead, getmarried in the Church, get confirmed,receive First Holy Communion or baptisetheir kids. In the spirit of the time let us dowhat Jesus would have done.

16) It is natural that people turn more to Godin times of hardship. When you see theChurch attendance increase do not thinkthat it is because of your golden mouth,praying prowess or hard work. No. It isbecause of the hard times. Our people arehungry, hopeless and shattered. Please letus console them. Let us see how we can helpthem and not to take undue advantage oftheir situation.

17)Those of us who live abroad should pleasenot only be supporting members of theirfamilies at this time. Let us rememberothers. There is fire on the mountain.

If only the Catholic priests and religious (Irishmissionaries) were able to feed the Biafransfor 3 years during the war, we as indigenouspriests and religious can do more for our peopletoday. They are our people, our flock. This isthe time to show them how much we love them.

A PASSIONATEAPPEAL TONIGERIANCATHOLICPRIESTS ANDRELIGIOUS INTHESE HARDTIMES

by Rita Akin-Otiko, SSL

’Pelumi O’Dunsin,Chief Editorpelumi.dunsin@yahoo.com+234 (0)706 204 7492

Anthonia Eneanya SSLAssistant Chief Editortoniauc@yahoo.com+234 (0)703 792 9969

The Communications Office now has a corporate email,sslcomm.ng@gmail.com. Expect to get Contact andupdates via the mail address regularly. Write to us too.

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Contact Newsletter

EDITORIAL

Word to Live By

12

15 AUGUST 2018INSPIRATIONAL

Dear Family,

In future, I’m going to write a book on Personal Indecisions— well, seriously, I’m not decided yet. Ha ha ha! That book,you are thinking right now, may never be written. And youmay be right! Making choices, psychologists argue, is notabout options but resolution; the rest is gamble. Although“choice is the purest expression of free will, it is also asacrifice. It means giving up something else”, Leslie Ye writesin her article, The psychology of Choice (2017,https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/the-psychology-of-choice). Choice is adifficult thing because it elicits decision, which can eithermake or mar one’s life or prospects. It then takes faith anddetermination to make a choice. People who are clear andreceived help early on what they want from living or whatthey want to be in life are really blessed. Are you caught between choices today? You can trustGod to guide you. He promises in Isaiah 30:31, ‘And your earsshall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walkin it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.’In that spirit, please remember in your prayers AnneYetunde Akinjiola who makes her first profession of vowson Wednesday 22 August 2018. We are grateful for the unwavering help we receive tokeep Contact going. Enjoy your reading.

Trust in the Lordwith all your heart,and do not lean on

your ownunderstanding. In all

your waysacknowledge him,and he will make

straight your paths.

—PROVERBS 3:5,6

Choices

’Pelumi O’Dunsin

— ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveller, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less travelled by,And that has made all the difference.

The RoadNot Taken