Owerri, Nigeria. In a testament to their unwavering commitment to spiritual, pastoral, and material well-being, the Prefects of Apostolate and Economy, Frs. Wenceslaus Isidienu and Marcel Obilo, CMFF, of East Nigeria Province, embarked on a missionary visit to various mission places in the northern region of Nigeria on 16 March 2024. This endeavour filled renewed spirit into our missionaries while fostering closer ties with the communities they serve.
The primary objective of this mission was twofold: to revitalise our missionaries with fresh zeal and to cultivate stronger bonds with the bishops, our esteemed collaborators in the noble endeavor of serving God’s people on the peripheries. As the visit unfolded, it became a profound experience, resonating deeply with the essence of the mission.
One of the highlights of this journey was the encounters with bishops, who offered echoing affirmation of the exemplary work carried out by Claretian missionaries. Their expressions of deep satisfaction underscored the profound impact of the collective efforts in advancing the mission of love and compassion.
However, the true essence of this journey was perhaps most vividly realized in the moments spent with those displaced by insurgency and violence perpetuated by Militia Fulani herdsmen in Benue State, Nigeria. The visit to the camps where these individuals have sought refuge from the horrors of displacement served as a beacon of hope amidst adversity. The victims, though burdened by the weight of their tribulations, found solace in the solidarity extended by the Church and the congregation.
Source: Fr. Dominic Ukpong, CMF, Secretary, East Nigeria Province.
