It was a moment of great joy as the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in Nigeria gathered in the city of Suleja Nigeria on the 29^th of October 2016, to celebrate the 200^th year of the foundation of the congregation with the priestly ordination of 5 brothers. The ordination mass was presided over by Most Revd Dr Emmanuel Badejo (the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Nigeria). The Bishop during his Homily expressed his joy to preside over the epoch making occasion. He charged all present especially the newly ordained to put on the image of Christ in a society besieged by various ills; in which many so called preachers are constantly trying to make Christ in their own dirty image instead of allowing the light of Christ to transform them that they may heal the society.

After the reception of the Eucharist, the newly ordained led the congregation in a dance of thanksgiving to the altar. A great feeling of joy and excitement enveloped the whole atmosphere. The Rector of the Seminary in his remark expressed gratitude to God who has made all things possible and equally thanks all present as well as our benefactors for their sacrifices to be a part of our joy and mission. The occasion was well attended by friends and family members, the Associate Oblates of the Virgin Mary (AOMV), Priests from different dioceses in Nigeria and Oblate Priests from within and outside Nigeria. We were Particularly Privileged to have in our midst the Rector Major of the Congregation, Very Rev Fr. Dave Nicgorski who in his remark also expressed same sentiments of Joy to witness this great occasion on his first visit to Nigeria and Africa.

The five brothers who were ordained priests were: Fr Aloysius Ebonine OMV, Fr Emmanuel Emalume OMV, Fr Jeremiah Irabor OMV, Fr Stanley Okonkwo OMV, and Fr Clifford Ayegwalo OMV. Their ordination brought the number of Priests of the Nigeria Delegation to 27. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. May he continue to grant us increase and bless our work in his vineyard. Amen.

Daniel E. Damisah, OMV