A memorable event when eleven young women were received as novices into the Congregation of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit at the Novitiate in Ilesa, Osun State, NIGERIA, on Wednesday 27 July 2022: Agatha Akhare, Bridget Anyam, Callista Arji, Maryann Benson, Florentina Echem, Esther Keke, Jacinta Nicholas, Florence Ohonsi, Loretta Ojelede, Felicia Osuolale, Elizabeth Woneku.
Anthonia Ayeni, vice-provincial, who, after a brief introduction and welcome, received the novices in the name of the Superior General, Sister Ann Almodovar.
The reading, taken from the Gospel of St. John (Jn 15:1-8), speaks of Christ, the true vine, and we, the branches who must rely on Christ, our life and support. We have chosen a growing plant as a symbol to qualify our journey in the ongoing search for God and His will in our lives in the Daughters of the Holy Spirit congregation. As we begin our canonical year, Sister Anthonial Ayeni encouraged us to always remember our values and find joy in Christ, our Source. She then urged us to keep the leaflet of our reception to return to from time to time.
After this, the rites of presentation of the emblem -the cross- took place and the Rule of Life as signs of belonging to the congregation.
It was a joyful event to have a time of prayer followed by refreshments.
We are grateful to God for making this day a reality and we also thank our Superior General, our Vice-Provincial and all the Daughters of the Holy Spirit for giving us the opportunity to discern our vocation in the congregation.
Written by the newly received novices. Published on 1 August 2022
