CATHOLIC Bishop of Idah Diocese, Kogi State, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Adaji, has charged Christians to always serve God without restrictions.
Delivering a Homily at the centenary celebration of MIssionary Sisters of the Holy Ghost, Nigeria District on Saturday, 8 January, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ankpa, Bishop Adaji, noted that the founder of the congregation, Sr. Eugenie Caps, was a woman who gave up everything for the love of Christ.
He commended the Nigerian District for celebrating 100 years of the existence of the congregation with thanksgiving, noting that thanksgiving to God for His love and sustanability was paramount for the occasion.
“We have gathered to celebrate the Centenary not of mercenary but of missionary.
“The realization of the goodness of the Lord leads one to thank God,, likewise, the Holy Ghost Sisters because, they realised what God has done for them and has come to thank Him.
“Total self submission to the will of God matters,” the Bishop stated, adding that mission is the vocation of all genuine missionaries and that the mission of Christ is to the poor and the under privileged.
Some of those who witnessed the arrival of the sisters in Nigeria like Fr. Joseph Chukwudi Okoro, presently Missionary in Philippines and Very Rev. Dr. Samuel Akagwu, lecturer at Major Seminary, Makurdi, Benue State, recounted how they assisted the Sisters in carrying their luggage to the convent.
As part of activities to mark the 100 years of existence of the congregation, the sisters went to Iyano, Ibaji in Kogi State, where they worked some years ago.
They also, visited villages like Ichi, Ikaka, Abujaga and Eneme where they prayed with the people, among other activities.
In some areas, the sisters went by canoe and had rosary procession with lighted candles for love and peace to return to the villages.
They also went on pilgrimage to Marian Hills, Emekutu in Idah Diocese, Kogi State and Our lady of Fatima Pilgrimage Centre, Abuja Archdiocese.
By Sr Stella Ekwuocha
