First and final Profession of Vows for six Sisters in Nigeria, Vice-Province

The sisters of the Infant Jesus on the 5th of September, 2023 celebrated an enormous growth in the Vice Province. The Nigerian Institute celebrated the first profession of sisters Esther Patrick, Phoebe John, and Angela Egbulonu and the final profession of sisters Agnes Donald, Cecilia Koemfet, and Helen Zakka at St. Augustine’s Pastoral Area Dong, Jos, Plateau State. Those for first profession have chosen to dedicate themselves to the religious life which marks the beginning of their formal commitment to a life of service, prayer, and devotion to their faith.

During the ceremony, they made vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows signify a deep spiritual commitment and a readiness to live a life of simplicity, celibacy, and submission to the authority, congregation, and religious communities.

For those who made their final profession, it was a moment that signified the culmination of a lifelong commitment to their religious vocation. They had their formal acceptance of perpetual vows binding them to our religious order. They willingly renounced worldly possessions, the possibility of marriage, and personal autonomy to fully embrace their faith and service to others according to our congregation.

The celebration was honored with the presence of Rev. Dr Matthew Man Oso Ndegoso the Archbishop of Kaduna, friends and family members of the various sisters that were professed. Numerous priests and religious from various dioceses and congregations were present.

The chief celebrant, Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, Archbishop of Jos, in his homily, called on the professed sisters to lead virtuous lives as religious who will adhere to Christ’s teachings in the evangelical council. In addition, he urged them to remain faithful to their calling and to persevere through all of life’s challenges in this day and age.

 He admonished families and the faithful to help the sisters keep to their vows by not demanding money and other things from them. It is the responsibility of sisters to live up to their vows He urged sisters to support one another instead of being envious of one another and to grow in understanding and love for one another. He thanked the families for their sacrifices and generosity.

After the guest entertainment and reception, the celebration finally ended.