Claret Theology House Ibadan, Monday, June 30, 2025. The 7th General Assembly of Delegation West Nigeria commenced with a massive presence of the members of the Delegation at the Claret Theology House, Elerumoke, Ibadan, Oyo State, South West of Nigeria. The programme started at 8:45pm with a brief rite of the enthronement of the Bible after a solemn procession led by Rev Anthony Adegoke, CMF. The special prayers composed for the occasion was recited.
The Assembly proceeded with the Opening Address by the Major Superior of the Delegation VRFr Augustine Medaiyedu, CMF. It included a warm welcome, firstly, to the Father General, ably represented by his Assembly Delegate President, VRBr Carlos Verga, CMF, Prefect of Youth and Vocations Ministry. He appreciated the huge presence of our confreres who, despite the debilitating travelling challenges nowadays in Nigeria, made it to the Assembly. However, he reminded all that, we, the Claretians, are Apostolic Missionaries, imitators of Padre Claret in his followership of Christ. The hallowed gathering, he said, is an opportune time to renew our commitment to our mission, community and missionary life.
During his well-articulated Opening Remark, VR Br Carlos Verga, CMF, the President of the Assembly, reminded the Delegation members the spirit and letter of the occasion. Thus, he noted, inter alia, “We are here to discern together. We are not just another Delegation; we are a living part of the Congregation that continues to be incarnated in diverse cultures, among concrete people, who have concrete faces and names. We do not come to simply discuss a three-year programme or to elect a new governing team. We come to listen to each other, to think together, to pray in community, to dream with God about the mission He entrusts to us and to discern the appropriate, effective and bold ways to carry it out. And in doing so, I invite you to keep in mind three fundamental attitudes that resonated strongly during the visit: (1) Open hearts and grateful memories. (2) Deep listening and courageous dialogue. (3) Community discernment and active hope.”
Then, a powerfully encouraging, yet concise, Message of the Superior General, VR Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, was read to the Assembly. As usual, his words are as consoling as they are spirit-lifting. His opening words are sacred: “As you gather in Assembly, I unite myself with you in spirit and prayer, invoking the light and strength of the Holy Spirit upon each of you. An Assembly is not merely a meeting—it is a Pentecost moment for the Delegation, a sacred time when hearts attuned to the Spirit can hear His quiet whisper. May your conversations in the Spirit help you discern the paths the Lord is opening before you as you grow as a synodal missionary body.” He concluded with a blessing.
The Assembly, thereafter, in the spirit of the Rules and Regulations guiding it, elected two Secretaries and three Moderators.
Closing prayer was led by the President of the Assembly while the Major Superior signed the blessing.
Mary, Mother and Foundress of the Congregation – Pray for Us!
St Anthony Mary Claret – Pray for Us!
