It was a joyful day for the entire Daughters of the Holy Spirit in the Vice -Province of Nigeria as Six of their sisters committed themselves perpetually in the Congregation, and two sisters marked their 25th Profession Anniversary (Silver Jubilee). These remarkable events took place on Saturday, 27th September 2025 at Church of Ascension in the Catholic Arch-diocese of Ibadan, Nigeria.
The six professed were Sr Ann Oloruntoba, Sr Benedicta Esumai, Sr Christiana Oguntoyinbo, Sr Felicia Ogungbenle, Sr Patricia Akinremi and Sr Peace Ameh, while the silver Jubilarians were Sr Elizabeth Babalola and Sr Esther Amowe.
The Holy Mass which commenced at 10:00 am was celebrated by the Arch-bishop, Catholic Arch-diocese of Ibadan, His Grace Most Rev Gabriel Abegunrin. In attendance were also Most Rev Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop Catholic Diocese of Oyo, and Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Ondo. A good number of priests and Religious both within Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and other dioceses also witnessed the joyful celebration.
The homilist Rev Fr Mark Obayi in his reflection laid emphasis on the cross of Jesus and the lives of the saints who sacrificed themselves for the sake of the gospel. He encouraged the entire congregation of God’s people and the celebrants to faithfully hold on to the cross of Jesus which brought salvation. He urged the newly finally professed to always be aware that to follow Jesus all their lives, demands great sacrifice in their services, therefore they should emulate the blessed Virgin Mary in humility, patience, trust and perseverance to the very end.
The joys of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit on this remarkable day was exceedingly great as they danced, sang in Praising God.
In his address, Archbishop Abegunrin thanked God for supporting the faith and charisma of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. He congratulated the celebrants and the entire congregation for this celebration. He urged the vice-province to continue its good works and to remain ever open to the service of the Catholic faith, doctrine, and tradition wherever it is established.
Finally, in her speech, the Vice-Provincial Superior, Sister Cynthia Azughara, thanked the bishops, priests, religious and all the people of God for taking the time to celebrate with the Vice-Province of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Nigeria. She prayed that God would bless and accompany everyone home safely.
It was a remarkable celebration, the first organised by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Ibadan.
By Sister Patience EFFIONG, DHS. Published on 29 September 2025
