OBITUARY
Very Rev. Fr. Denis M.J. Ononuju Obiaga C.S.Sp.
Visit of the Bigard 85 to their retreat moderator
CANDIDATES FOR ACOLYTE AND DEACON – HFFBY-
Some of the members of the Congregation will be installed Acolytes on the 20th of Dec 2019 at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Nnewi by the Bishop of Nnewi diocese, Most Rev Dr Hilary Odilichukwu Okeke. That is not all, two, out of the ten (Kenneth Adimike and Ocheche Peter) will be ordained Deacons on the 21st of Dec 2019.
However, they had their Canonical retreat with Very Rev Fr Abel Agbulu CM, who led them through the spiritual journey for a period of one week. It was indeed a spirit-filled one as the candidates were happy with the retreat Moderator whose directions and approach was a unique one.
We therefore thank God for the opportunity and pray the good Lord to bless the Candidates as they advance to God’s throne.
THE HOLY FAMILY SISTERS OF THE NEEDY -HFSN- CELEBRATES WITH THEIR BROTHERS; HOLY FAMILY FATHERS AND BROTHERS OF THE YOUTH HFFBY
15th of December (Gaudate Sunday) was the day the Lord has made. The Holy family sisters of the needy celebrated the day with their brothers; Holy family fathers and brothers of the youth HFFBY. This event was a remarkable one that began around 1:pm. The father founder Very Rev Fr DMJ Ononuju Obiaga Cssp was also present. During this celebration, the Father founder prayed and blessed his sons and daughters, encouraging them to always emulate our patron saints and always hold on to the unity and love in which the two congregations were born into.
The Coordinator Rev. Fr. Samuel Ezikwelu HFFBY also thanked the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy (Owerri Community) for making out time to be with their brothers. Other things that featured during this event were: Choral rendition, presentation of an award that was given to the Father Founder from Sierralone few weeks ago for his remarkable feet when he was there with them, dancing and light refreshment.
After the session, there was a group photograph with the founder and his sons (including priests) and daughters. It was an awesome occasion as we rejoiced in the spirit of awaiting the Christ savior who is to be born in our hearts.
It was a “Gauadate” celebration.
“How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live in unity”
Psalm 133:1
FIRST RELIGIOUS PROFESSION OF THREE OF OUR BROTHERS
Having reached an essential milestone in their formative session, three (3)of our brothers made their first religious profession on the 8th of June 2019 at Holy Family Novitiate house in Okija. Their vows were received by the coordinator of the Congregation; Rev Fr. Samuel Ezikwelu HFFBY and in the presence of other confreres.
The Coordinator in his homily, laid bare the meaning of ‘vow’ and its consequences, stressing that vow taken, must be fulfilled. He equally encouraged them to pray more for God’s grace all the time, for cut off from him we can nothing (John 15:5).
THE CATHOLIC WOMEN ORGANIZATION VISITS THE SEMINARY
On the 13th day of December 2019, the Seminary welcomed the Executives of CWO (Ihiala Deanery). The visit was not only a remarkable one, but they have come to present and give their sons (Seminarians) food items as Christmas gifts.
They were welcomed by the aassistant Vocation Director Rev. Fr. Paul Esieme HFFBY, Igwe Emmanuel TC and other senior seminarians. The Seminarians were happy and they expressed their sentiments of gratitude to them. The assistant Vocation Director prayed for them and blessed them.
ENTRY INTO NOVITIATE
As a prerequisite for the first profession and becoming a member of the Congregation, Nine (9) of our brothers were embraced into the Novitiate (spiritual year) on the 23rd of March 2019. The mass began by 10am with many priests in attendance. The chief celebrant Rev. Fr Mgbemmena Chinonso HFFBY, thanked God for the gifts of the Congregation and equally encouraged the Novices to make appropriate use of this opportunity.
During the reception, the parents of the New Novice expressed their happiness to the Congregation and to all who honoured the event.