To the Glory of God, five brothers (Aloysius Ebonine, Clifford Ayegwalo, Emmanuel Emalume, Jeremiah Irabor, and Stanley Okonkwo) made their perpetual profession of vows in the Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMV) on the 13^th of February, 2016. The ceremony, which began at about 10:00am at the Pastoral Institute (PI), Bodija, was presided over by Rev Fr. John Idio, OMV, the DelegateSuperior of the Nigeria Delegation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. It was well attended by family members, associates, friends and well wishers of the newly professed and the Congregation.

            Fr. John in his homily stressed the need for commitment in building healthy relationship with God and for the flourishing of humanity. He noted that there is a backslide on this vital issue, such that people just live their lives, claiming to be Christians yet not committed to God, and parading themselves as professionals yet not committed to their professions. The result is that health facilities nowfacilitate the death of patients and not their restoration to health; and almost everyone claims a religion, yet our actions show that our hearts are far away from God. 

            He thus congratulated the brothers who were to make their profession and urged them to become living message to the world especially on the need to be committed to God. He further turned their attention to the need to trust God whose call they are answering just like Abraham did in the first reading of the day (Gen. 12:1-4). They are also to be faithful to theirreligious vows in order for their commitment to be fruitful.

            Turning to the Gospel reading of the day, he reiterated the teaching of Jesus that one must obey the commandments of God to inherit the kingdom of God. He further stressed the need to “let go.”We must let go of the life of sin and everything that distracts us from following Jesus so that we not only follow Jesus but we do it gladly and not turning away from him in sadness.

            The high point of the day’s liturgy was the profession of the vows of chastity, obedience and poverty by the five brothers who were called out by Fr.OseniJude Ogunu, OMV. Theprofessed brothers danced in thanksgiving to the Altar before the close of the Mass. The Rector of the OMV Formation House, Fr. Victor ChuksNwabueze,OMV, while giving the vote of thanks considered the five brothers to be particularly fortunate to be permanently admitted into the Congregation during this year of her bicentenary. He appreciated all who came to share in our joy which became even more evident at the reception where the professed brothers and other Oblates danced to the admiration of all present.

Daniel E. Damisah, OMV