Postulate, Ibefun, November 29, 2025. Today marks a remarkable day in the Delegation West Nigeria of the Claretian Missionaries as ten young men were formally inducted into their Postulancy Programme at the Claretian Postulate House, Ibefun, Ogun State. The event started with the Holy Mass that began at about 10:00am led by the Major Superior, VRFr Augustine Medaiyedu, CMF. Concelebrants were Frs Roland Onuekwusi, CMF, the Delegation Prefect of Formation and Prefect of Postulants; Fr Sunday Ogom, the Parish Priest of St Francis Catholic Church Ibefun and Fr Benson Amedu, CMF, the Bursar of the Postulate House.
In his homily, the Major Superior welcomed everyone present as he reflected on the Gift of Vocation which has created a relationship between the candidates, their families and the Claretian Congregation. He urged the families of the candidates to appreciate the peculiarities of the Claretian vocation and pray for their sons without expecting material but spiritual benefits from them. In his words: “They are becoming, not Breadwinners, but Grace-winners of the families.” To the candidates, he encouraged to keep focused, holding their heads high. He also commended them to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Thereafter, the rite of reception of the candidates took place. At the end, they were ceremonially handed over to the accompaniment of the Prefect of Postulants, Rev Fr Roland Onuekwusi, CMF. Each candidate was given the Autobiography of St Anthony Mary Claret by the Major Superior, as an icon of inspiration and formation for missionary life. The newly received postulants were given welcome embrace by the officiating ministers. However, they individually signed the Declaration Form in the presence of all – underscoring their total readiness to assimilate the Missionary Formation of the Claretians and Catholic Church.
After the Mass, there were photographs followed by a brief refreshment at the Memorial Hall of late Fr Stephen Mbatuegwu, CMF. To conclude the event, Fr Sunday Ogom, CMF gave the Vote of Thanks while Fr Benson Amedu, CMF led the closing prayer at 1:03 pm.
May the Lord continue to bless us with good vocation.
