Some moments of history were made on the 7^th and 8^th of December, 2018, when the confreres of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMV) in Nigeria Delegation gathered at the Lanteri House, Kwamba, Suleja, Niger State, to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the existence of the OMV in the Nigerian soil. The celebration witnessed series of ceremonies especially the final Religious Profession and the Deaconate ordination of Br Thomas Tyayvar, OMV, which were used to conclude the anniversary’s celebration. It was a well attended event. Coincidentally, the confreres of the Nigeria Delegation were having their annual General Assembly, of which all the OMV priests working in Nigeria and our confreres from the United States participated actively in the ceremonies.

The final profession that took place during the Holy Mass on Friday, 7^th of December at about 5:30pm had the Delegate Superior, Very Rev. Fr Paul Etafo Ubebe, OMV as the Chief Celebrant while Very Rev. Fr Victor Chuks Nwabueze, OMV as the homilist. During the homily, Fr Victor appreciated God for the gift of the Religious Life and the OMV Congregation in Nigeria especially as the Congregation celebrates her 20 years of existence in Nigeria. He explained in detail the nature and meaning of the Vows to Br Thomas and the people present at the ceremony. Fr Victor equally used the opportunity to pay tribute to the elder sister of Br Thomas who died few weeks before the final profession of Br Tyayvar. He (Fr Victor) concluded his homily by inviting all to pray for Br Thomas and the Congregation in general. After the homily, the Delegate Superior received the vows on behalf of the rector Major.

The 20^th anniversary did not come to an end without the Deaconate ordination of Br Thomas Tyayvar, OMV on the 8^th of December, 2018. The Mass which took place at the premises of the Lanteri House community was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Martin I. Uzuokwu, Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese. The Rector of the community, Rev. Fr Mike Songu, OMV delivered the homily. In his homily, Fr Mike, first of all, spoke on the Solemnity and the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception; he brought the message down to the people as he explained it to them using signs and symbols. He referred to Mary as the ‘container’ of blessings. That Mary did not in any way thrown away what she received from the Lord. He used that expression to advise the deacon to be, challenging him to be the true ‘container’ of God’s blessings to the people of God.

The ceremony was well attended by priests, religious and lay faithful including the family and friends of Br Thomas Tyayvar, OMV. Entertainment of guests and other socials followed the Holy Mass.

Through these celebrations, we are challenged and committed to join hands together to bring our Delegation to limelight.