On 27 June 2025, the Daughters of the Holy Spirit of the Vice-Province of Nigeria gathered at the Renée Burel Retreat Centre in Ilesa for the official handover ceremony from the former leadership team to the new team. After four years of Vice-Provincial service by Sister Anthonia AYENI, DHS, and her team, a new team with Sister Cynthia AZUGHARA, DHS, as Vice-Provincial Superior, has emerged with Sister Oluwatosin AMUSAN as Vicar, Sister Felicia ADEMOLA, Sister Immaculata ONYONG and Sister Theresa ANTHONY as Councillors.
All the Daughters of the Holy Spirit of the Vice-Province of Nigeria, from different communities, dioceses and regions, gathered to witness this remarkable event. The ceremony, which began on Friday 27 June, created a serene atmosphere for deep reflection on past experiences, the present and the possible vision that the new leaders will embrace.
On the evening of the arrival, there were spiritual exercises such as prayers, songs and personal reflections. A penitential service was led by Bishop John Oyejola of the Diocese of Osogbo. On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop Oyejola emphasised the love, mercy and compassion that led Jesus to serve humanity and die for it. He pointed out that the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has opened up the opportunity for humanity to love, welcome and forgive our brothers and sisters.
On the second day, Father Noël, a Redemptorist priest, encouraged all the Daughters of the Holy Spirit to imbibe the habit of listening, which means being present to one another at all times and listening to the Spirit through the mediation of others. He encouraged the new leaders and each sister to adopt and make the Rule of Life an instrument that accompanies them in fulfilling the three evangelical counsels. At the end of the session, there was time for personal reflection.
Holy Mass was celebrated at midday on Saturday by Bishop John Oyejola, concelebrated by two other priests. In his homily, the bishop underlined the exceptional qualities of the Virgin Mary, which the sisters must continue to embrace. He also highlighted the good works of the FSE sisters in the dioceses where they are present. He encouraged all the sisters to maintain their good attitudes of witness in all their pastoral activities of evangelisation and others. Finally, he reminded the titular sisters to jealously guard their gift of unity, apostolic zeal, availability and happiness at all times.
After the homily, the handover exercise took place, during which the former management team gave way to the new team. The new leaders carried a lit candle, symbolising Christ as the Light of the world. They were reminded that they must keep the fire of love burning in the service of their sisters, the Church, the poor, children, women and all those with whom they come into contact. A special prayer of intercession was dedicated to them.
Sister Anthonia AYENI addressed the entire Congregation and presented her testimony and note of transmission to the new Vice-Provincial Superior. She expressed her gratitude to God for his support throughout her period of leadership. She also thanked Sister Ann ALMODOVAR, Superior General, and her Council, for their generosity and the great support that her team and the whole Vice-Province of Nigeria have received. She also presented some of the achievements, challenges and projects realised during her mandate. At the end of her speech, she prayed for strength and grace for the new team led by Sister Cynthia AZUGHARA.
This event rekindled the spirit of joy, harmony and hope among us all.
By Sister Patience EFFIONG, DHS. Published on 6 July 2025
