On Tuesday 30 April 2024, the Daughters of the Holy Spirit of the Vice-Province of Nigeria recorded a new event with the official blessing by the Archbishop, His Excellency the Reverend Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, of their new novitiate located in Iddo, in the Archdiocese of Ibadan.
This remarkable event began with a solemn Mass celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin, concelebrated by other priests from the archdiocese. Also present at the celebration were the Superior General of the Congregation, Sister Ann Almodovar, and her councillors, the Vice-Provincial of Nigeria, Sr Anthonia Ayeni, and her councillors, a good number of Daughters of the Holy Spirit from the Vice-Province of Nigeria, as well as postulants and novices.
In his homily, the Archbishop expressed his gratitude to God for this new opportunity for the Daughters of the Holy Spirit of Nigeria to witness his blessings. He encouraged the sisters and novices to be docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that they may fulfil God’s will. He also encouraged the novices to remain focused and open to formation, so that they may become better instruments of the Holy Spirit for the service of humanity.
On the feast of Our Lady Queen of Africa, the archbishop thanked God for the gift of the Virgin Mary to the Church and for the blessing she has brought to Africa and Nigeria. He asked the Virgin Mary to intercede for all those who will live in this house dedicated to formation. He congratulated the Congregation of the DHS, the Superior General and the Vice-Province of Nigeria.
At the end of the Mass, the Superior General, Sister Ann Almodovar, expressed her joy to God, thanked the archbishop and encouraged the sisters and novices to develop the charism of the FSE by making the house a house of charity. Sister Anthonia Ayeni, for her part, appreciated the fatherly support of the Archbishop and his presence at all times. She thanked the Superior General, her councillors and all the priests, religious and lay people present. Then, in a special way, she also thanked the building contractor, Mr John, for the excellent work he and his team had done.
After Mass, the Archbishop prayed and blessed the house. It was a joyful and memorable event for all present.
Sister Patience Effiong, DHS. Published on 5 May 2024
