New Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
From November 7 to 10, 2017, the first Biblical Animation of Nigeria and Cameroon was held in the East Nigeria Province at the Ladies of St. Mulumba Centre, New Owerri, Imo State Nigeria. The theme was:“The Biblical Inspiration of Our Life and Pastoral Ministry”. The participants about 30 in number include, Claretian priests from the three organisms, the Religious of Mary Immaculate Claretian Sisters, members of the Lay Claretian Movement and others who collaborate with them in their apostolic mission.
The Provincial Superior of the East Nigeria, Fr. Simeon Nwobi, welcomed the participants and urged all to have a fruitful encounter, while invoking the intercession of the Blessed Mother and the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The facilitator of the Seminar, Fr Henry Omonisaye, General Consultor and animator of the Congregation’s Biblical Pastoral Ministry, enlightened the participants on the objectives of the Biblical Animation:
- To animate the entire organisms in this special charismatic trait and to creatively live it out in our communities and pastoral ministries.
- To creatively concretize this charismatic trait in the life of the community and more visibly realize the biblical ministry in our pastoral activities.
He also explained the nature, dimension, vision and current trends of the biblical apostolate in the Congregation.
The encounter featured the Enthronement of the Bible, LectioDivina, reports of the respective Prefects of Apostolate from the different organisms, different paper presentations that centred on our biblical pastoral ministry, dialogue and group discussions.
This watershed biblical animation rekindled the characteristic aspect of our identity as Servants of the Word and sets into motion the undying fire of our Holy Father Claret to the peripheries of the world. The participants were equipped to carry on the role of modern evangelisers in line with the resolution of the last General Chapter.
The facilitator of the Encounter Fr Henry Omonisaye was the immediate past Delegation Major Superior. However, Fr Matthias Iheonu, the Delegation Prefect of Apostolate led the representatives of our Organism to the Biblical Seminar.