Jubileeeeeee! TIME FOR JUBILEE IS HERE!
The famous American Gospel artiste, Ron Kenoly, in 1993, released one of the greatest hits of the era “Praise The Lord All Nations,” written by Ed Kerr and Paul Baloche, produced by the multitalented Tom Brooks. The melody featured in the 1996 Album, “Welcome Home.”
The refrain and the verses of the song express, most profoundly, the joyful mood of the Claretian Missionaries of Nigeria, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as they celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the presence of their Congregation in Nigeria. Half a century, or rather, 50 years of life is celebrative.
JUBILEE!
The Time for JUBILEE is here!
Praise the Lord all nations
Lift HIM up all peoples
For His love to us is great
And His faithfulness forever.
He has kept us by His mercy
We’re surrounded by His love
There’s a refuge in His presence
Gather round and praise The Lord of glory.
Yes! THE JUBILEE IS HERE!
The arrival of Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, Superior General of the Claretian Missionaries in Lagos on Sunday, the 29th of November 2023, heralded the Jubilee Week Activities celebrating 50 years of Claretian Presence in Nigeria (1973-2023). He was warmly received by the Major Superior of the Delegation of West Nigeria, Fr. Augustine Medaiyedu and other Claretian confreres.
As already reported, Father General kicked-off the Jubilee Week activities Monday, 30th of November, 2023 with the blessing of Claretian Academy, Ewu-owa, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The entourage that included the Major Superior of the Delegation of West Nigeria and members of his council, was warmly welcomed by the school manager, Fr. Terseer Ubi as well as the staff and students of the college. Fr. Mathew and Fr. Augustine jointly did the unveiling of the new school building – an edifice really beautiful to behold. The blessing of the entire building followed. Fr. Mathew gave some words of encouragement to the gathered assembly after which he blessed everyone.
The Jubilee train proceeded on Wednesday, 1st November, 2023 to Enugu State, East-Nigeria Province, where there were also blessings of three (3) Claret Schools that were recently completed.
Today, Thursday, 2nd November, 2023, the Mass for the Day, All SOULS, was at the Claretian Cemetery Nekede and immediately after, a Novelty Football match between Claretian Priests and seminarians took place. It ended amicably: 0-0.
The Jubilee Ordination ceremony shall be held on Friday, 3rd November, 2023, with Most Rev Dr Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji – Metropolitan of Owerri Archdiocese, as the Chief celebrant. This will be followed by a Colloquium and, later, a socio-cultural soiree, all at the Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State.
The Jubilee Events shall culminate in the Jubilee Day Celebrations on Saturday, 4th November, 2023, with the Jubilee Mass at the Claretian Martyrs Chapel, Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, to be led by the first Nigerian Claretian Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe CMF – Bishop of Makurdi Diocese.
Come celebrate with the Claretian Missionaries!
Hearty CHEERS to the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary!
YES! TIME FOR JUBILEE IS HERE!!!
Long live the Claretians of West Nigeria