PERPETUAL PROFESSION OF BROTHERS PASCAL AND DESMOND

In the community of Ibadan

It was a moment of immense joy, when on the 26^th of November 2020, Bro Pascal ChineduMbah and Bro Desmond Shinshima Alfred, made their final vows. The ceremony took place at 6:30 P.M in the community chapel at Ibadan, and witnessed by students, friends and a relative. The Provincial delegate, Fr JiksonMullasseril, presided the Mass and received the vows on behalf of the Provincial Superior. Other concelebrants were Fr Joseph the Coordinator of Formation for Nigeria, Fr Robert Correa, the Superior of the community, and Fr James Edeh the newly ordained priest.

The celebration coincided with the Feast of our Blessed Founder James Alberione and the beginning of the Pauline year of the Bible. In his Homily Fr Jikson stressed that “there is joy in surrendering and belonging to Jesus”. He added that “for the world it may seem illogical and bizarre, what Pascal and Desmond are doing, but both are convinced that in God alone is lasting joy found and have freely taken the bold step to commit their lives to Him”. He reiterated that “the pronouncement of their final vows, was an act of love to God who loved them first”. And the vows, should enable them to love Him in return with undivided hearts, trust him as the only treasure and surrender their will to do his will.

He explained the exemplary life and legacies of James Alberione, and admonished Pascal and Desmond to follow in his footstep of accomplishing everything through prayer, spending time before the Eucharist and dedicating their lives for the Gospel. He reminded all present at the mass to cease this year of the Bible to deepen their knowledge of Scripture and strive to apply its teachings, which will result in the transformation and transfiguration of their lives. We congratulate Brothers Pascal and Desmond and wish them the best for the future.

ENTRANCE TO NOVITIATE

In the community of Lagos

On Wednesday November 25, 2020 five postulants: Sunday Oche, Stanislaus Nkanta, Paul Sanya, Joseph Anigwe, and Ernest Ndebilite entered the canonical year of novitiate in Lagos. The event took place in the evening and was officiated bythe provincial councilor Fr JiksonMullasseril, and assisted by the Novice Master Fr Joseph. He explained to the newly admitted novices the importance of the novitiate and reminded them that they begin as ordinary religious, but should finish as Holy religious. It was a joyful occasion for the community of Lagos and we wish the novices a fruitful and blessed year of novitiate.

ENTRANCE TO POSTULANCY

In the community of Ibadan

November 25, 2020:AdorCelsusUnimke,Isaac Sonsha Mimi, Abi Francis,Joseph Egbador,Onyimonyi Francis Chukwuebuka, Adinnu Samuel Nnmadi, NzehOnyekachiSixtus, Asogwa Kennedy, Idiku, Odobor Raphael Emeka, having completed their aspirancy in Lagos were admitted to postulancy in a simple and beautiful ceremony at Ibadan. The officiating priestFr Robert Correa, the superior spelt out the requirements of the congregation. He said “they were to grow into genuine human persons, discover, assimilate and deepen their understanding of the Pauline Charism and mission, grow in the knowledge of the thought and work of the founder and finally grow in deeper union with Christ, the Master, the Way, the truth and the Life.”At the end of the ceremony the superior entrusted the postulants to the care of their Master Fr Praveen Chirathara, and will be assisted by Fr Gerard Tanko.

The Pauline Family in India Solemnly Celebrated the Feast of Primo Maestro, Blessed James Ablerione with a high level of Pauline Unity. Jointlyorganized by the Three Pauline Congregations, SSP, DSP & PDDM, the Feast was well attended by every member of the Pauline Family from India and abroad with great devotion and zeal. Present among them were Varghese Gnalian, Provincial Superior, IN-Nigeria-UK-Ireland, Rev Sr Arul Mary, Provincial Superior of FSP and Sr Amita, Provincial Councilor, PDDM. The entire Programme was Livestreamed on YouTube from Mumbai Community Chapel

The major highlights of the Feast

1. Pauline Biblical Year was solemnly declared open in India by Fr Varghese Gnalian, inviting all members to stay committed to the Gospel. Significant contribution of Paulines in Biblical Apostolate in Hindi, Telugu and English were highlighted in the event. Delight in Jesus, an resource manual for the Biblical year, prepared by Fr Dr Gegore Kaithoil was also released.

2. First time an English Pauline Missal was released, which is very unique to all the Pauline communities in the English speaking world. Representatives from all Three Pauline Congregations worked had been working tirelessly to bring out this historical work.

3. The Festive Eucharist was the culmination of a three-day spiritualpreparation, well animated by Fr Baji, an internationally renowned Pauline authority on the spirituality of Blessed James Alberione.
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5. God’s Word 2021 digital App was blessed and Launchedas the opening activity of the Pauline Biblical Year, marking an important milestone in the Biblical Apostolate “giving wings and feet to the Gospel”. (Ven. Tecla Merlo)

Thus on the the Feast of Blessed James Alberione, the Paulines in India offered many new fruits to glorify God and to bring peace to people.