Every year in Nigeria, Associates from different areas and dioceses meet to reflect together on their experiences in their services, in relation to the charism and spirituality of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. This year, in preparation for the Solemnity of Pentecost, the recollection took place from Friday 30 to Saturday 31 May 2025 at the Renée Burel Retreat Centre in Ilesa, Osun State.
On arrival, after the opening prayer, the 32 Associates present read the Pentecost letter sent by the Superior General to the whole Spiritual Family under the title ‘The Spirit, in a broken but blessed world’. This letter was read slowly, three times, in English and translated into Yoruba -a local language common in the western region of Nigeria-: the members listened to it, meditated on it and shared it according to the inspirations of the Spirit, in connection with their experiences in their various mission places and in their homes. It was a wonderful time of sharing.
This was followed by a report from each zone on the functions of Associates in the various parishes and regions, with a focus on spiritual and corporal works of mercy. After the reports, a time of prayer and adoration of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament led them to reflect on the following day.
On Saturday 31 May, Sister Stella Oluwafemi, DHS, gave a talk on the theme of the year ‘Year of Hope: our hope does not disappoint us’. According to the presenter, hope is a gift that we receive to wait patiently for what we need. She also highlighted certain values that can strengthen hope, such as gratitude, resilience, prayer and reading the Scriptures.
Emphasising resilience, Sister Stella encouraged Associates to always find reasons to be happy and to pass on their happiness to those around them, even when things are going badly. The people they meet should always be able to benefit from their joy. She also encouraged them to accept certain forms of suffering for Christ’s sake, to be patient in the face of difficulties, to trust in God’s power rather than give in to complaints, and to favour everything that can greatly contribute to strengthening their hope in the course of their service.
Holy Mass was celebrated by the Reverend Father Felix Oyedeji, parish priest of St Lawrence’s in Ilesa. In his homily, on the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he reminded everyone that they have much to learn from her: to learn to be happy by helping others in their needs, giving joy in particular to the poor, the sick, their families, children and the needy.
During the Mass, the 32 Associates renewed their commitment in the presence of Sister Anthonia Ayeni, Vice-Provincial Superior, and the Coordinator, Sister Anthonia Ogunyomi. It was a beautiful celebration in which all the members expressed their great joy in song and dance during the thanksgiving.
At the end of the Mass, Sister Anthonia Ayeni thanked the Associates for their re-engagement in their various places of assignment in the Vice-Province. She encouraged them to continue their good works and to encourage other members. She also thanked Sister Ogunyomi and the priests and DHS for travelling with the Associates from the various zones and parishes.
The celebration ended with a special thanksgiving and a group photo as they all joyfully headed home.
Sister Patience EFFIONG, DHS. Published on 10 June 2025
