Sisters on Vocations Trip to Nigeria Received with Enthusiasm

Sr. Justina Mutiso, CCVI, Vocations Director for Africa, made a special vocations trip to Nigeria in December to visit with a discerner and to raise awareness about the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston in the most populous country on the African Continent.

"The young people were so eager to learn about our Congregation, and we shared our stories with as many as possible, leaving them with our brochures," Sr. Justina said. "I thank God because, since our visit, I have gotten many calls through WhatsApp and emails from Nigeria, from young women who want to discern with us."
Sr. Helena Ogbuji, who is originally from Nigeria and was visiting her family at the time, hosted Sr. Justina and accompanied her on her planned visits.  The pair attended several Masses and celebrations where they were able to share the charism and work of the Congregation, meeting many Catholic youth. The visit also allowed them to deepen their relationship with the discerner, meeting her family, her pastor and parish community.   
In her role, Sr. Justina has visited several countries in East Africa. However, this was her first visit to Nigeria.

Of particular happiness was the meeting with discerner, Ms. Eberechi Vivian Ibenye, and her pastor, Msgr. Austine Ndimele Kanu, who welcomed them and extended great hospitality, Sr. Helena and Sr. Justina said.  After Mass, the Sisters were invited to share the Congregation’s story to the faithful and a group of young people.  The Sisters also attended the diaconate ordination of 14 candidates ordained by the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, His Lordship, Michael Kalu Ukpong, who also offered them fantastic hospitality, Sr. Helena said.

“During this celebration, we planted the seed to vocation life in the hearts of many young people who had gathered for the celebration,” she added.
To conclude their trip, the Sisters met with His Grace, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province the president of Nigerian Bishops Conference, of which Umuahia is a part.  Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the president of the Nigerian Bishops Conference,  welcomed them warmly.

Let us pray for vocations to religious life and the priesthood.