Owerri, Nigeria. In a groundbreaking event, the Claretian Missionaries of East Nigeria Province organized their first-ever encounter for Parish Priests and Chaplains from February 11 to 12, 2025. The gathering aimed to foster communion, deepen the understanding of their pastoral mission, and reaffirm their commitment to evangelization, particularly within the context of parochial ministry.
The event commenced on February 11 with a solemn vespers led by the Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF. The Provincial Secretary, Fr. Dominic Ukpong, CMF, presented the program of activities, which was enthusiastically adopted. Fr. Wenceslaus Isidienu, CMF, Provincial Prefect of Apostolate, welcomed the 27 participants, acknowledging their dedication and presence from different mission regions of the country.
On February 12, the day began with a Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF. In his homily, he emphasized the role of pastors as the face of the congregation, urging them to follow Christ’s example and embody His mission to the poor. The morning session continued with the enthronement of the Word of God by Fr. Stephen Kalu, CMF, and prayers led by Fr. Rowland Onyenali, CMF, Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life. The participants also received goodwill messages from Fr. Pedro Belderrain, CMF, General Prefect of Apostolate, and Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, Vicar General of the Congregation.
A significant part of the encounter was the presentation of parish reports by the pastors, highlighting historical realities, sacramental life, and community fellowship. These exchanges facilitated mutual learning and sharing of pastoral wisdom. Members of the Provincial Government also made key presentations, with Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF, discussing the Claretian communitarian way of living, emphasizing communion, participation, and mission—essential dimensions of synodality. He reminded participants of Fr. Claret’s vision of communal living (Aut. 488-491) and the Congregation’s Constitution (Const. 10-16), stressing that Claretian pastoral work must be a shared mission marked by equality, mutual love, and respect.
The Prefect of Apostolate reinforced the importance of zeal in pastoral care and communal discernment, while the Prefect of Spirituality spoke on the art of animating a Claretian mission in the spirit of Christ, focusing on transformational and discerning leadership. The Provincial Econome highlighted the principles of transparency, accountability, and co-responsibility in managing mission resources.
The gathering also addressed the province’s outreach to internally displaced persons (IDP) in Nigeria. Fr. Emmanuel Ukata, CMF, Priest-in-Charge of St. Stephen Quasi-Parish, Asase, provided an update on efforts to support victims of violence and displacement, particularly in Benue State.
Participants engaged in group discussions reflecting on the presentations, culminating in an interactive session on the future of parochial ministry and community living. The encounter concluded with a renewed spirit of collaboration and commitment to evangelization among the Claretian Missionaries of East Nigeria.
The closing Mass on February 13, 2025, was presided over by Fr. Wenceslaus Isidienu, CMF, Provincial Prefect of Apostolate, marking the successful end of this historic gathering.
Source: Fr Dominic Ukpong, CMF, Provincial Secretary, East Nigeria Province
