Claret House of Theology, Elerumoke, Ibadan. The students of the Claretian Missionaries, Delegation West Nigeria, held their Annual Retreat from the 1st to the 6th of September, 2026, at the Claret House of Theology, Elerumoke, Ibadan. This year’s spiritual exercise was moderated by Rev. Fr. Kenneth Ejeh, CMF. He chose as theme: “Returning to the Initial Moment of Your Calling and Igniting the First Love for God: Missionary Identity (My Own Claretian Identity).”
The retreat moderator indicated that the conferences were not intended, both in content and style, to be strictly academic but rather to provide an opportunity for the participating students to reappraise, conscientiously, and, devotedly, rekindle their missionary zeal. In other words, the year’s spiritual encounter, like the previous ones, was aimed at reminding the young missionaries of their vocation, missionary identity, and Claretian charism which they must inculcate, cultivate faithfully and constantly carry like banner.
Among the topics discussed were Claretian Identity and Charism, the Evangelical Counsels, and various forms of abuses in pastoral ministries and apostolates and their attendant injurious consequences both for the individual and the Congregation, nay, the Church and society.
During the period, various spiritual activities were undertaken, including: meditation, daily celebration of the Holy Mass, spiritual conferences, spiritual consultation/direction, penitential service, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The retreat was spiritually enriching and provided an interactive atmosphere in which participants had the opportunity to ask questions, reflect deeply, and share their personal experiences. It made them ready to strive ahead with hope, confidence and sincerity of purpose.
In conclusion, the encounter renewed the participants’ awareness of their missionary vocation and challenged them to live out their Claretian Missionary identity more faithfully. The exercise ended with special blessings from Fr Kenneth.
