Claret House of Theology, Ibadan, September 08, 2026. The Claretian Family of Nigeria West Delegation gathered at the Claret House of Theology, Ibadan, on the above date to witness the First Religious Profession of two of our students:
- Michael UGWUMGBE, CMF, and
- Victor UMEKWE, CMF
The event took place within the Eucharistic celebration, which commenced at about 10:00 a.m. The Chief celebrant was VRFr. John Paul Achi, CMF, and concelebrated by other Claretian Priests: Frs John Omoha, Benson Amedu, Kenneth Ejeh, Andrew Falajiki, Michael Fasakin, Kingsley Ogbete, Vincent Temitope, Job Felix and Godwin Alufohai.
The homily, which centred on the Significance of Religious Profession, was delivered by Fr Achi. He informed the candidates and, of course, reminded all present, that Religious Profession is a public, sacred commitment to God where a person vows to live by POVERTY, CHASTITY, and OBEDIENCE. And for us Claretian Missionaries, it is the following of Christ in the footsteps of our Holy Father Founder, Anthony Mary Claret and as directed in our sacred NORMS. He thus encouraged the candidates to remain faithful to their vocation and commitment to God and the Congregation.
After the homily, the election of the candidates for profession was announced by the Secretary of the Delegation, Fr Andrew Falajiki. This was followed by the various rites proper to the First Religious Profession, through which our two brothers publicly expressed their commitment to God and their willingness to live out the Evangelical Counsels as Claretian Missionaries.
The Mass came to an end at about 12:00 noon.
Thereafter, a reception was held. The newly professed were joined by their families and members of the community. It was a joyful occasion of thanksgiving, fraternity, and joy as everyone gathered to witness our brothers beginning the major stage in their religious journey.
As usual, the moment also provided an opportunity for the entire Claretian Missionaries to give thanks to God for the gift of their vocation and pray for their continued fidelity and perseverance as Consecrated Persons.
May God bless the offering of our lives.
