Newsletterof Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province REV ...
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Contact Newsletter 1 Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province 6 JUNE 2021 Contact Newsletter 1 O n the 21st day of April 2021, Marywood Girls College was privileged to welcome the Provincial Leader of the Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province - Sister Christiana Kure and the PLT Liaison person for Ibadan Area - Sister Josephine Tiav, who is also the PLT in charge of education in the Province. The event started with a parade from Cardinal Rotunda through the refectory where they were presented with flowers as a sign of love and appreciation. Sisters Christiana Kure and Josephine Tiav were ushered into the refectory by the school band, a match past by some SS1 students and flower girls. The opening prayer was led by Sr. Catherine Ologunagba, the Administrator of Marywood Girls College. Ilekuba Mnesoma and Egbuonu Makuochukwu who anchored the event, recognized our guests after which Sr. Catherine Ologunagba gave her opening remark. The school band performed at the event. The Head girl, Ikejiaku Munachi presented a speech. There was a live band, also the school choir presented a song composed by Sr. Jacinta Otene in honour of the two Sisters’ visit to the school. Also, groups of talented students did a live stage portrait of the Sisters using glitters. The group of talented students were: Michelle Muonike (SS2), Orjiako Kmsi (SS1), Ezebiro Bamifesi (JSS2), Kunne Juliet (SS2), and Offor Pearl (JSS2). Presentation of the portrait was done by —Ogbobuike Winifred (SS2 science) In this issue L-R: Sisters Josephine Tiav, Christie Kure and Catherine Ologunagba REV. SR. CHRISTIANA KURE AND REV. SR. JOSEPHINE TIAV VISIT MARYWOOD GIRLS’ COLLEGE ● Visit to Marywood Girls’ College ● Commissioning of St. Joseph Nursery & Primary School, Iseyin ● St. Louis Kano ● Pentecost Day Celebration In Dassa ● A Treasure Receives First Holy Communion ● Tribute to An Uncle ● Our Condolences ● Health & Wellness ● Child Protection & Safeguarding ● Heart of the Matter ● Vocation Promotion ● Editorial
Transcript of Newsletterof Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province REV ...
Contact Newsletter 1
Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province
6 JUNE 2021
Contact Newsletter 1
On the 21st day of April 2021,Marywood Girls College wasprivileged to welcome the
Provincial Leader of the Sisters of St.Louis, Nigeria Province - Sister ChristianaKure and the PLT Liaison person forIbadan Area - Sister Josephine Tiav, whois also the PLT in charge of education inthe Province. The event started with aparade from Cardinal Rotunda throughthe refectory where they were presentedwith flowers as a sign of love andappreciation. Sisters Christiana Kure andJosephine Tiav were ushered into therefectory by the school band, a matchpast by some SS1 students and flowergirls.
The opening prayer was led by Sr.Catherine Ologunagba, the Administrator
of Marywood Girls College. IlekubaMnesoma and Egbuonu Makuochukwuwho anchored the event, recognized ourguests after which Sr. CatherineOlogunagba gave her opening remark.The school band performed at the event.The Head girl, Ikejiaku Munachipresented a speech. There was a liveband, also the school choir presented asong composed by Sr. Jacinta Otene inhonour of the two Sisters’ visit to theschool.
Also, groups of talented students dida live stage portrait of the Sisters usingglitters. The group of talented studentswere: Michelle Muonike (SS2), OrjiakoKmsi (SS1), Ezebiro Bamifesi (JSS2), KunneJuliet (SS2), and Offor Pearl (JSS2).Presentation of the portrait was done by
—Ogbobuike Winifred (SS2 science)In this issue
L-R: Sisters Josephine Tiav, Christie Kure and Catherine Ologunagba
REV. SR. CHRISTIANA KURE ANDREV. SR. JOSEPHINE TIAV VISITMARYWOOD GIRLS’ COLLEGE
● Visit to Marywood Girls’ College● Commissioning of St. Joseph Nursery & Primary School, Iseyin● St. Louis Kano● Pentecost Day Celebration In Dassa● A Treasure Receives First Holy Communion● Tribute to An Uncle● Our Condolences● Health & Wellness● Child Protection & Safeguarding● Heart of the Matter● Vocation Promotion● Editorial
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the Administrator. The Sisters acknowledged andappreciated their creativity. Sr Josephine Tiav advisedthat the Girls Guide Association be introduced in theschool. A praise and worship session were led byChuddy-Ezugha Tochuckwu and Abigail Gabriella. Some
SS3 students also danced with the Sisters. The closingremark was given by the Assistant Head girl;Akingbemila Anjola, while the closing prayer was led bythe chapel prefects, Okocha-Ojey Chiamak andEzekwem Ifechukwu.
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On the 8th day of May 2021,all the staff, pupils, andparents of St. Joseph’s
Catholic Nursery and PrimarySchool as well as Priests andReligious in Iseyin Deanerygathered for the commissioning ofthe Multipurpose Games Court ofVolleyball, Badminton andBasketball which was recentlyconstructed for the use of the
pupils. The commissioning wascarried out by the EducationSecretary of the Catholic Diocese ofOyo, in the person of Very Rev FrBoniface Wuraola who alsorepresented the Proprietor of theschool, Most Rev. EmmanuelAdetoyese Badejo at the occasion. The program went on smoothlywith lots of entertainmentsshowcased by the pupils of the
school, a novelty volleyball matchbetween the Pupils of St. Joseph’sNursery and Primary School, Iseyinand a Volleyball Team of St.Stephen’s Catholic Church, ApaaraOyo. The atmosphere was filledwith joy. The occasion was veryattractive, colourful and gracefullyhonoured. All thanks to God for thesuccess of the program.
COMMISSIONING OF ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLICNURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL, ISEYINMULTIPURPOSE GAMES COURT
—Bridget Monehin, SSL
L-R: Fr. Boniface Wuraola, Sisters Bridget Monehin, Joy Nosa with other Priests, Religious and Staff of St. Joseph Nursery & Primary School at the Commissioning Games Court
Sister Bridget Monehin with Members of Staff at the cuttingof the Cake Sister Bridget Monehin with Fr. Boniface Wuraola on the Games
Court
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The 17th day of April, 2021 marks a very specialday in St. Louis Nursery and Primary School,Kano as 92 candidates were presented to the
Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. John Nyiring for both first holycommunion and confirmation. The Sacrament ofBaptism was administered by the Chaplain of theschool - Rev. Fr Mato Danlami before the arrival of theBishop who then administered the Sacrament ofConfirmation.
The Children for the Sacraments were all dressedin white and decorated with White and Red Ribbon withtheir name tags on their left-hand side. The Bishop inhis homily encouraged the children to remain steadfastin their faith and make sure that nothing, not evenmarriage will cause them to abandon their faith. Heencouraged them to be obedient to God and Hiscommandments.
After the homily, the Bishop invited the confirmandiand everyone to make their profession of faith andrenounce the works of satan and his angels. TheSacraments were thereafter administered to thecandidates. After the Mass, the headmistress, Sr.
Monica Ibrahim, thanked the Bishop and everyonepresent at the occasion. The Bishop in turn thanked theSisters for the good work they do in the diocese,especially, in bringing up children in the Catholic faith.He told the parents that their children are not just inSt. Louis for academics but also for learning morals andkeeping to their Catholic faith. Light refreshment wereshared and entertainment presented by the children.
PUPILS OF ST. LOUIS NURSERY ANDPRIMARY SCHOOL, KANO RECEIVETHE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATIONAND HOLY COMMUNION
—Clara Azubuike, SSL
Most Rev. Dr. John Nyiring with the Children after the Mass - Sister Monica Ibrahim (far right)
Sister Clara Azubuike conducting the Choir during the Mass
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What a wonderful day! The Spirit ofthe Lord fills the whole earth,indeed we are happy and glad. It allbegan with the celebration of theHoly Mass in our Parish, Sacre Coeurde Jésus. We, the Postulants servedas the choir for the 6:30am Mass.We sang joyfully in honour of theHoly Spirit and the whole Churchcommunity was inspired.
The Priest in his homilyemphasised on the following points:First, he called every one present tohave faith in Christ Jesus and in theChurch which makes us oneirrespective of our culture, colour,tribe and race; that whatever gift wehave received from the Holy Spiritis to be used for the glory of God.He encouraged us not to liveaccording to the desires of the fleshwhich will lead to death butaccording to the desires of the Spiritwhich leads to Love, joy, peace,patience,kindness, faithfulness andself-control against which there isno law. At the end, he left us with
the question “How do we make useof the gift given to us by the HolySpirit”?
As soon as we arrived home, webegan our celebrations with a verytantalizing breakfast. Then we allengaged ourselves doing one thingor the other in preparations for theevening celebration. The chapel wasused as the upper room. We had abig lovely Dove descending with thesevenfold gifts. There were redcandles lit which signified signifiedthe tongues and flames of fire. Thedesign was real with educativelessons. For the other meals we hadvarieties of refreshments anddifferent kinds of fruits all inconnection to the various giftsobtained from the Holy Spirit. It wasa merry making day for us.
The evening celebration fullybegan with the recitation of theHoly Rosary round the house indifferent languages specificallyEnglish, Hausa, Igbo, French and
Yoruba which ended in the upperroom (chapel).
The evening liturgy began witha beautiful introduction, part ofwhich was: “the Paraclete has cometo give us life in abundance; theSanctifier has come to dispel thedarkness of error from our minds;the counsellor has come to rekindlethe fire of love in our minds; theadvocate has come to fill us with thesevenfold gifts; the comforter hascome to heal our hearts from all thesorrows of this world”. In all, thePentecost experience brought usmore understanding and notconfusion, freedom and nottension, boldness and confidenceand not fear.
The sequence (poetic text) waschanted in place of the canticle. Thereading was the account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts ofthe Apostles 2:1-11. Thespontaneous prayers were all saidby each in her native language. Weprayed for the Church, the Instituteand the entire world at large. In aspecial way, we prayed for theongoing preparation for theGeneral Chapter and the prayer forthe care of the earth-Laudato Si.
It was a wonderful experience.For us, we were enriched bothphysically and spiritually to theglory of God. “Come Holy Spirit andrenew the face of the earth”.
POSTULANCY COMMUNITY CELEBRATES 2021PENTECOST DAY CELEBRATIONDASSA ZOUME—Maryam Bala & Hauwa Yahaya (Postulants)
Postulants Community in a Prayer Session on the Feast of Pentecost
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On the 4th day of April 2021, there was rejoicingand gladness as well as sign of fulfilment forthe Sisters in Bakhita Villa when one of the
Treasures had her baptism and received her first HolyCommunion. You can also imagine the great joy inHeaven.
According to Treasure “Now that I have receivedJesus Christ- body and blood- into my life, I feel I am
very close to God and He now stays in my life. SinceGod lives only in a holy place because He is Holy, I ammoved to not let this great opportunity slip off my lifeso as to have God live permanently in my life”What an amazing encounter. May God continue tobless the work of our hands.
A TREASURE IN ST. LOUIS BAKHITA EMPOWERMENTNETWORK RECEIVES FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
—Gertrude Elelegu, SSL
Baba you were like a saviour to me! When thewhole world gave up on me, you came to myhouse and you saw the condition of my health
that was when I was three to four years old. You tookme to your home and brought me up like yourbiological child. Baba, death leaves a headache that noone can remove except God. I don’t know where tobegin, all I keep thinking is how I wish I had that onemore opportunity to see you and hear your voice.
Baba if I should start mentioning your goodnessand how disciplined you were, it will not end here.Growing up with you as a female child wasn’t easybecause I knew you wanted the best for me. I was notexpecting you to pass away so soon, Baba your sweetmemories live forever in my heart. May your soul restin peace.
TRIBUTE TO MR. GABRIEL IJAM JOHN—Joy Pius, Novice
An Uncle to Joy Pius, (Novice)
Sister Getrude Elelegu with the Newly Baptised Treasure Sister Getrude Elelegu watching as the Treasure is being Baptised Sister Getrude Elelegu with the Newly Baptised Treasure
Sister Getrude Elelegu with the Newly Baptised Treasure Joy Pius during the Prayer Session at the grave side of her Uncle
L-R: Sister Francisca Ola (Novice Mistress), Joy Pius and AnnOmotayo (Novices) with members of Joy’s family)
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Health & Wellness
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HealthWellnessTalk&
By Janet Makinde, SSL
STRESS is part of our everyday life. Whilemoderate stress boosts the immunesystem and improves the activities of the
heart, much or chronic stress is harmful to ourgeneral well-being because it makes the bodysusceptible to a variety of illness and worsensthe existing health condition. Research hasshown that stress can increase the heart rateand the flow of blood, and when this happens,cholesterol & triglycerides are released into theblood stream, increasing the possibility of havinga stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease andobesity.
To manage stress, it is important to knowwhether yours is moderate or chronic. Forchronic stress, watch out for the followingsymptoms:
*Lack of concentration*Memory loss/forgetfulness,*Back/Neck pain,*Headaches,*Weight gain,*Stomach problem,*Insomnia.
Tips for Stress Management:● Try to determine the stressors around you -
the things or people stressing you up. If youcan avoid them, do so. However, if you can't,accept and adapt to the situation.
● Get rest from time to time and deliberatelylook away from all the things begging foryour attention.
● Take out time to exercise, for according toresearchers, exercise teaches the brainstress resilience.
● Take out time to hang out with friends andfamily. Sometimes, good company is goodmedicine for stress. Socializing with like-minded friends or people keeps your mindoff issues that bother you and frees you ofemotional stress.
● Ensure you eat proper diet; take healthsupplements to boost your immune system;and avoid worry.
How to Manage Stress
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Child & Vulnerable Adult
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In the face of societaldegradation, we need a newholistic vision of life which would
promote harmony in the family ofGod’s creation. Hence, the Sisters ofSt. Louis Nigeria Province havetaken bold steps in ensuring that allour schools and institutions aresafe environments where childrenand adults can live and work in acomfortable place. It was on thatbeautiful note that LouisvilleNursery and Primary School,Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State, invitedSr. Theresa Olaniyan, thechairperson of Child Safeguardingin the Province to deliver a dayseminar on April 28th, 2021. Therewere 34 participants at the seminar.The opening conversation wasfascinating! Each participantintroduced the member of staff thatsat close to them and saidsomething positive about theperson.
The code of conduct was vital inthe presentation. It enables eachmember of staff to explicitly agreethat they will treat children withrespect and equity regardless oftheir age and gender; help childrento take part in decisions concerningthem; communicate with the schoolauthority in matters that concernminors; use non-violent andpositive behaviour methods whensupervising children etc. As part ofour Child Safeguarding policy, it isa mandatory requirement formembers of staff whether full orpart time to be trained before theyfill the code of conduct form. Ourschool has taken the safeguardingto another level by inauguratingnine pupils into the Child’s RightClub after their parents signedconsent forms. The tenets of theChild Right Club are:
To educate children to be activeand contribute positively to theirenvironment.
To empower children to enablethem identify child protectionissues in their communities andhow to prevent them.
To enable children, value therichness of theirresponsibilities/obligations torespect the fundamental humanrights of others, and to create theawareness in them to remain alertto their Child’s Rights in theircommunity service.
An interesting part of seminarwas when we looked at the cultureof Jesus versus African Culture. Thiswas the springboard to ourdeliberation! The members wereable to connect easily between theculture of Jesus and the Africanways of approaching children andrespecting human dignity.
The following were the salientreasons Sr. Theresa gave whychildren are vulnerable:● Powerless● Immature cognitive and
emotional state● Socio-cultural factors● Absence of adequate
guardianship● Discrimination● Disability● Age● Culture
The school treated eachmember of staff with a deliciousmeal and they departed to theirrespective homes. Everyone needsprotection and safe-guarding andensuring this is the duty ofeveryone!
SALIENT ASPECTSOF CHILD SAFEGUARDING
—Christie Udebor, SSL
Staff of St. Louis Nursery & Primary School with Sister Theresa Olaniyan (far right)
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by Rita Akin-Otiko, SSL
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“To whom are you actuallybetrothed, sister?” Sr.Janice, a Magnificat
sister’s younger sister, Julietblurted out after a delicious plateof rice and a glass of cold water ona hot sunny afternoon. Thisquestion caught Sr. Janiceunaware as there was nothing intheir conversation during the mealto suggest that she had doubtsabout her vocation as a nun. Beforeshe could gather herself togetherto give a reasonable answer toJuliet her sister and best friend,there was a knock at the door.Juliet, a highly gifted girl in herlate teens, looked at Sr. Janicewith suspicion in her eyes thatsuggested that at the door was yetanother “unwelcome” visitor. Julietpeeped through the window andsaid in whispers, “Sr. Janice it isMr G. Should I let him in?” Sr.Janice gave her a quizzical lookand literarily shouted, “Why not!”And so, without further hesitation,Juliet let in George, a friend Sr.Janice had recently met at theireldest sister’s wedding theprevious month. George worked with one of thenew generation banks and eventhough he had risen to an executiveposition in his bank, he was still abachelor. He was that calm lookingindividual whose presence soothedone’s nerves and who had this auraof civility about him. “Hi! Sr.Janice!” George greeted with thatbroad smile that could disarm themost unyielding soul. Janice oftenwondered why Juliet disliked himso much. Offering George her right
hand, Sr. Janice greeted himwithout leaving him in any doubtas to how excited she was to havehim visit her during her homeleave away from those suspiciouseyes of her fellow sisters in theconvent. “Hello George! Good to seeyou. How are you?” Janice greetedwith such thrill that betrayed heraffection for him. Instead of givinga verbal response, George, in a bidto sustain a mood he suspected Sr.Janice had initiated by her overlywarm welcome, pulled her tohimself and gave her a passionatehug. This superfluous show offondness told them both that adodgy relationship was beginning.She however did not raise anyobjection but rather ushered himinto the dining room, offered hima seat at the dining table, andreceived with a broad grin, the bagof gifts he had brought for her.However, before Sr. Janice couldtake her own seat, Juliet calledfrom the room, “Sr. Janice!Mummy is calling you!” “Mummy?”Sr. Janice called back wonderingwhen their mother who hadtravelled to the village returned.Knowing her dear sister wellenough, she guessed that Julietmust have observed something shewanted to communicate to herurgently. Sr. Janice had barely passedthrough the door leading to hermother’s room before Julietdragged her in, gripped her twoshoulders firmly and shook her sohard she almost fell. With herhands still on her shoulders, sheblurted out the same question she
had asked her earlier on. “Sr.Janice, to whom are you actuallybetrothed? To Jesus or…?” Sr.Janice did not know when hersister left the room because soonafter Juliet asked her the question,she fell on their mother’s bed,broke down and wept bitterly.After weeping to her heart’scontent, she moved to her room,picked her Bible and spent morethan two hours meditating on 1Corinthians chapter 7. This quiettime was interrupted by Juliet’svoice announcing the advent of twoMagnificat Sisters, friends of Sr.Janice who were also on homeleave in the neighbouring town. Sr.Janice responded to neitherJuliet’s call nor her persistentknock at door. When it was clearthat she was not willing to receiveany guest, Juliet entertained thevisitors and bade them farewellwhen they indicated it was time toleave. Long after everyone had goneto bed and the vigilante hadsounded their warning bell, Juliet’squestion kept ringing in Sr.Janice’s ears. And even though thenight was particularly calm andthe weather cool, her heartbeatwas faster than usual. She had toturn on the fan when she startedexperiencing a kind of burningsensation from within. Since shewas becoming too restless to sleep,she decided to sit at her table andwrite down her feelings in form ofa letter to the One to Whom shewas truly betrothed.
To Whom Am I Truly Betrothed?(From my collections of Fictions)
To be continued..
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Vocation Promotion
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Inspirational
Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province
4th Sr. Catherine Ologunagba Birthday
4th Sr. Veronica Obi Birthday
7th Sr. Roseline Ogunbanwo Birthday
10th Sr. Martha Chindo Birthday
11th Sr. Vivian Ajuonuma Birthday
15th Sr. Victoria Orifunmishe Birthday
19th Sr. Juliana Mbara Feastday
29th Sr. Constance Dibie Birthday
Send articles to [email protected] andexpect to get Contact and updates via this mailaddress regularly.
CORPORATE EMAIL
Rev. Sr. Clara Azubuike, SSLRev. Sr. Elelegu Gertrude, SSLMonehin Bridget, SSLMaryam Bala & Hauwa Yahaya (Postulants)Ogbobuike Winifred (Student, Marywood Girls College)Joy Pius, NoviceChristie Udebor, SSL
ColumnistsRev. Sr. Akin-Otiko Rita, SSLRev. Sr. Makinde Janet, SSLCHILD SAFEGUARDING & PROTECTIONEditorial Team
Rev. Sr. Akin-Otiko Rita, SSLRev. Sr. Eneanya Anthonia, SSLRev. Sr. Obada Anna, sslRev. Sr. Tiav Josephine, SSL
Contributors to May Edition
Editorial
Dear Sisters and Friends,
We bring you another edition of our ContactNewsletter. Thank you for your patience with us.
Kindly follow us on our social media networks:
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Thank you and God bless!
Anthonia Eneanya, [email protected]
