Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province

31 December 2019

In this issue● Provincial Leader and

Formation Team VisitAkpassi

● The Warm Welcome ofCardinal Joao Braz toBenin

● A Symposium forConsecrated Persons

● Free Life Saving Surgeries● Have You been Screened?● Celebration of People

with Disability● Another Cosmos● CHAN Zone D● WAEC Awards LSSG,

Abuja● Matriculation at St Louis

School of Midwifery,Zonkwa

● Heart of the Matter● Reap the Earth● Editorial

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A cool, gentle breeze accompanied the formation team and theProvincial Leader as they drove into the compound in Akpassiunannounced on 28 November 2019.

       The news had reached us that the formation team members were inDassa for their meeting. Suddenly at about 11:15 am, the car drove in andSisters Christiana Kure, Cecilia Lenpang, Franca Ola and Lucia Akinnusoyealighted gracefully. Quickly, we brought out water and poured on the groundat the entrance of the house to cool their feet. Sr Agnes Adebayo declaredto our august visitors that the gesture is a tradition of the people of Akpassi.It is an expression of appreciation for a visit and good wish that the visit willbe a blessing.

We immediately offered our guests drinks and fruits while lunchpreparation took off. Meanwhile, the Sisters took a tour of the clinic and alsovisited the old convent inside the school before they came back for lunch.Sr Christiana Kure had a close meeting with Sr Agnes Adebayo and Maria Ilo,after which we had a group photograph with the company. They returnedto Dassa at about 3:00 pm that same day.

Nigeria Provincial Leader andFormation Team Visit Akpassi

L-R: Sisters Cecilia Lengpang, Franca Ola, Agnes Adebayo, Christiana Kure, Maria Ilo and Lucia Akinnusoye

— Maria Ilo, SSL

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The Cardinal’s visit to Dassa-Zoumé was from 28November to 1 December 2019. His visit was forthe purpose of having a symposium with the

consecrated persons in Republic of Benin. Theyassembled in Dassa-Zoumé to receive him.

The Cardinal arrived Dassa at about 6:30 pm withsome Priests, Religious and two Bishops from Cotonuo.Before his arrival, we had the opening Mass which wascelebrated by the Bishop of Dassa-Zoumé, BishopFrancis GNONHOSSOU. The Mass started at 4:00 pmand ended at about 5:30 pm. After the Mass, weassembled at the entrance of the National PilgrimageCentre grotto, with three different groups of dancersfrom three different tribes: Idasha, Fon and Gon. Thedancers were aspirants of different congregations inDassa. We were glad as postulants to carry the light ofChrist in procession in front of the Cardinal.

One of the Religious in Benin stood with a calabashcontaining water on her head. As soon as the Cardinalalighted from his car, she poured the water on theground close to his legs according to the traditions ofthe land. It is a symbol of a peaceful welcome.

We were filled with joy as we sang and danced towelcome him to Benin. We ended the dance processionat the grotto of Our Lady of D’Arigbo, where a welcomespeech was delivered by Rev. Fr. Fortune BADOU, theVicar General of the Diocese of Dassa. The Cardinalblessed us afterwards and we all departed to convergeagain the next day.

We were so excited about the whole event. TheCardinal shook hands with us and asked if we werestudents. We told him we are postulants of the Sistersof St. Louis. We were happy to exchange pleasantrieswith him in French. He blessed us and we left with joy.

— Tabitha Jonathan and Mercy Wakili (Postulants)

THE WARM WELCOME OF CARDINAL JOAO BRAZTO DASSA ZOUME IN REPUBLIC OF BENIN

The Cardinal exchanges greetings with Cynthia Adomi, aPostulant

L-R: Bishop Francis GNONHOSSOU, Bishop of Dassa-Zoumé (Host Bishop), cardinal JOA

O BRAZ and Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of Benin and Togo (A Nigerian)

The Cardinal exchanges greetings with Helen Falaye, aPostulant

SSL Postulants at the welcome procession

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A symposium for consecrated persons was heldfrom 28 November to 1 December 2019 inRepublic of Benin. His Eminence, João Braz,

Cardinal of Aziz and Prefect of the Congregation ofInstitutes of Consecrated Life and Society of ApostolicLife was the chief guest. The host Bishop, Rev. FrancisGNONHOSSOU, Bishop of Dassa-Zoumé together withHis Eminence Monsignor Brian UDAIGWE, NuncioApostolic of Benin and Togo; the Episcopal Conferenceof Bishops of Benin and Conference of Major Superiorsof Bénin welcomed all the consecrated persons ofinstitutions of consecrated life and society of apostoliclife in mission in Bénin. They enjoined them tocommemorate the 5th anniversary of the celebrationof the Year of Consecrated Life.

The symposium, which was held at the feet of OurLady of Arigbo of Dassa-zoumé, gave us theopportunity to do a diagnostic analysis on:● The quality of our identity as consecrated persons;● The influence of our charism and spirituality at the

service of the church in Bénin;● The impact of consecrated persons and their

mission on the assembly of the Béninoise.

Having received the communications of the Prefectof the congregation of the Institutes of ConsecratedLife and Society of Apostolic Life from the Vatican, andfrom the various presentations by our invited guestsas and having celebrated in the faith fraternity andcharity and hope, we considered that;● The consecrated persons have their place in the

church family of God in Bénin and in the Béninoisecivil society which accepts them and recognizesthem in their identity units and their charismatic,spiritual and the diversities of lifestyle.

● We believe that, our lord our creator, the authorand founder of our consecration expects from usa greater identity of him through once deep andexpression of faith in him and are church.

● A commitment with total and radical measure forthe development of every human being and therespect of his dignity.

● We hope to train continuously and permanentlyand update the training plans in our institute andcongregation for a better response to thechallenges, demands and expectations of our timeand future.

A Symposium for Consecrated Personsin Republic of Bénin— Eugenia Raymond, SSL

L-R: Sisters Rachel Ojo and Eugenia Raymond with theCardinal

Eugenia Raymond (centre) during offertory procession at theclosing Mass of the symposium

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In the month of June 2019, we learnt of a non-governmental organization called BenjaminOlowojebutu Foundation (BOF), which had been

to many localities offering free surgeries on fibroids,breast lumps, lymphomas and hernias to people. Sr.Grace Iwok who had had an experience of themwhile in St. Louis Hospital, Owo, contacted them.They agreed to come to Iseyin but this took a fewdisappointing cancellations and adjustments indates and time. Finally, on 31 September 2019, a team of 11 staffarrived in Iseyin to begin the preparation for thesurgery. The Dr was not expected until 1 October2019. Meanwhile, they came with a dentist and adental technician who began doing teeth clearingand polishing for everyone. The Dr eventuallyarrived, accompanied by another Dr and they spranginto action. They carried out 197 clearing andpolishing and a total of 75 surgeries. In the interview conducted by the HumanResource manager of Our Lady Hospital, DrOlowojebutu revealed that the foundation cameabout from God’s inspiration. He said he wasinvolved in a road accident on his way from workabout two (2) years ago. His left leg was fractured inthree (3) places and he was taken to one of thebiggest hospitals in Lagos, where he was left on thefloor for four hours without being attended to. Whilescreeching in pain and almost dead, he heard Godtell him to change his pains into passion. So, whenhe eventually got well, he began the foundation.According to him, if he as a doctor was treated thatway, he wondered what happens to those who arenot even privileged to have access to good medicalcare. He said that within the 2019, he has done overa thousand surgeries at different locations. There were mixed feelings for everyoneincluding the staff of Our Lady Hospital while theexercise lasted. Many were happy because they hadthe opportunity to have their surgeries and somewere screened out because of one problem or theother. Some of which were high blood pressure,positive to HIV and hepatitis B status as well as lowPCV. Some could not be reached because of thehuge crowed waiting and limited time. On the whole,we are grateful to God for the opportunity to havethem around and to be able to reach out to so many.

FREELIFE SAVINGSURGERIES— Theresa Peter, SSL

L-R: Sr Theresa Peter and Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badejo (Bishopof Oyo Diocese) with the staff of BOF

Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu addresses a section of thebeneficiaries of the scheme

Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badejo (Bishop of Oyo Diocese) in aconversation with Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu

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Cancer is a menace to human life. Cancer inwomen, especially breast and cervical cancer, isno stranger to our locality anymore. Efforts are

however being made worldwide to create awarenessabout the deadly disease with preventive measuresbeing put in place to curb its occurrence and reducethe incidence of death in women. The month of October was World Breast Cancermonth. Our Lady Catholic Hospital, Iseyin, staffparticipated in a breast cancer awareness campaign inchurches and mosque around Iseyin. All women ofchild bearing age were invited to take part in the breastcancer screening slated for 27 November 2019. Theexercise was done in collaboration with MonitorHealthcare Limited, an NGO from Lagos. The Bishop ofOyo diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejowas the link between the hospital and the NGO; he alsosupported the program financially. A team of three (03) staff arrived Iseyin on 26November 2019 and carried out the screening onWednesday 27 as scheduled. They gave health talk toenlightening those present on the risks and effects ofcancer to the health of women, family and the society.Emphasis was placed on early detection and removal

of simple (benign) breast lumps in order to avoid itdeveloping into carcinoma. The device used for thescreening is a completely new device called Breast I, anon-invasive device with the sole aim of detectingbreast lumps through red light rays. It is not harmfulto the breast tissue, neither is the test painful. A total of 99 women were screened. Everyonescreened was encouraged to have a repeat check in sixmonths. They were also taught how to have breastself-examination on a monthly basis. Those who weredetected with breast lump were advised to have themremoved and taken to the laboratory for biopsy. Rev.Fr. Joseph Adejumo, the Hospital Chaplain played amajor role is creating awareness, supporting thehospital as well as his parishioners morally andfinancially and was present during the screeningexercise. Those who made use of the opportunity werevery happy. Breast and cervical cancers are among the topcauses of death in women. You don’t have to be avictim. Have yourself screened today. It is cheaper andsafer. Ignorance is not an excuse. Health is wealth!Have regular health checks and stay healthy.

HAVE YOU BEEN SCREENED?— Theresa Peters, SSL

UP: Sisters Theresa Peter and Augusta OzorBELOW: L-F: Sisters Theresa Peter, Cecilia Olusanya andAugusta Ozor with staffRIGHT: Sisters and beneficiaries

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The annual worldwide celebration of people livingwith disabilities took place once again on 3December 2019 with the theme: Promoting the

Participation of People Living with Disabilities andtheir Leadership: Taking Action on 2030Development Goals. In Akure, we organised anawareness campaign which took place on the 8December, at St. Louis Catholic, Akure. Addressing thechurch on the need to encourage people living withdisabilities, Sr Vivian Ajuonuma emphasised the need

to bring these people to the mainstream of everyaspects of life if the development goals of the world willbe realised.

She further encouraged parents of people withdisabilities to celebrate the gifts that God gave them.Further, she encourage school administrators to admitthese children into the mainstream school andclassroom.  They should also be given job opportunitiesto enable them contribute to achieving thedevelopment goals.

Celebration of People with Disability

LEFT: Sr Vivian Ajuonuma addresses the congregation. RIGHT: A cross-section of the congregation at the event

SSL Communications OfficeIbadan

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Yearfrom us

— Vivian Ajuonuma, SSL

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Friday is farm day at the Novitiate. Friday 6 November 2019 was one of such. Finishing from the farm wehad a visit to the goatry which has a ram, two ewes and three kids. Our animals have names by which wecall them. The ram is Soldier; the two ewes are Champion and Silver. The kids’ names are Pia and White

(both female) while the male kid is Knight. We had group photographs in the goatry and took out time to feedthem. We pray for increase in our animals and for God to preserve the ones we have, Amen.

Another cosmos— Esther Pam, Linder Christopher, Immaculate Mayaki (Novices)

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Esther Pam, Linda Christopher and Immaculata Mayaki feedingthe goats

Mary John, Joan Samuel, Immaculata Mayaki and Celestina Issacharvesting tubers of yam

Mary Okafor, Esther Pam, Linda Christopher and JosephineOjo were harvesting better leaves

Mary John, Joan Samuel, Immaculata Mayaki and Celestina Issacharvesting tubers of yam

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Our Lady Catholic hospital, Iseyin is an active member ChristianHealth Association of Nigeria (CHAN), Oyo State. On 21 November2019, the hospital played host to fifteen representatives of CHAN

Zone D. Before the meeting, they paid an advocacy visit to the head ofadministration, Iseyin Local Government Area.

Sr. Lucy Esedebe OLA explained the mission and vision of CHAN tothe administrator and charged him to always remember the missionhospital in his jurisdiction whenever there are government programmesand projects. The administrator responded that he knows about Catholichospitals but he had no idea of any group called CHAN. He was happy tohave been visited by the body and promised to do his best even as anacting administrator since there was no elected local governmentchairman at the moment. The general meeting was later held in OurLady’s compound where matters of interest to the association werediscussed.

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Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagalada,Abuja emerged as the overall second best in the2018 West African Senior School Certificate

Examination (WASSCE) on aggregate in FCT. As a result,the school was invited to an award ceremony organizedby the WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL onThursday 21 November 2019 at Sheraton Hotel, GarkiAbuja. However, the school could not attend thecolourful even for lack of proper communication ofdate from WAEC Office, Lagos. Subsequently, thecouncil invited the school to her Zonal Headquartersin Abuja, where the WAEC Endowment Fund Book Prizewas presented to the representatives of the school. Theprize includes books that cut across almost all thesubjects in senior secondary school school.

, (2017/2018) Set who produced thisoutstanding result has set a legacy and a standard,which entire management and staff of the schoolbelieve that their successors will put in their very bestto surpass. Our belief is that we are not yet there, wehope to earn more laurels in years to come. Our most hearty appreciation goes to everyone —parents, school management, staff and students —who played a part towards achieving this feat. Moregrace to your elbow! To God, our strength, be all glory! ‘Hail Louisville the pride of every girl’ Long Live Sisters of St. Louis! Long Live LGSS Abuja!

WAEC AWARDS LOUISVILLE ABUJA— Mr. Faseluka Olalekan (School Registrar)

CHAN Zone D, Oyo Pays Advocacy Visitto Iseyin Local Government Administrator— Theresa Peter, SSL

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Tuesday 26 November 2019 was a joyous day inSt. Louis School of Midwifery, Zonkwa as 48young women who have proved themselves

worthy to embark on the journey mapped out byFlorence Nightingale, the mother of modern nursing165 years ago, had their matriculation/cappingceremony. The ceremony began with the sacrifice of the holyMass celebrated by the Diocesan Administrator, Rev.Fr. Joseph Abba Biliyock. In his homily he enjoined allto have faith and trust in God as he will not deceive hispeople. Things of the world are passing away; weshould not allow them to take us away from God. Healso emphasized the virtue of patience, a virtue thatallows human to bear adversity with sincere spirit.

Patience helps one to be calm in times of trial andadversity. It is a virtue necessary for those in the healthrelated profession, most especially nursing so as to beable to calm patients down when they come to thefacility or elsewhere. After the Mass, the 48 young women made acommitment to provide care for individual sick or well,to alleviate suffering, promote health, and to abide bythe standard of practice for nurses and midwives aswell as code of ethics laid down by the Nursing andMidwifery Council of Nigeria. Their palms were thenblessed before their investiture with the nursing caps. The second phase of the ceremony had thestudents entertaining the guests, family members andfriends with different activities which include culturaldance (Igbo, Yoruba, Plateau and Samba), drama,fashion parade, etc. The Gwagwalada liaison person ofthe PLT, Sr. Margaret Yusuf was present to grace theoccasion. The Diocesan Administrator was also with usall through. It was a beautiful program. We pray Godto bless these young women with the courage to facethe rigours of the training and contribute their ownquota to the improvement of the health sectorwherever they find themselves.

MATRICULATION/CAPPING CEREMONY OFST LOUIS SCHOOL OF MIDWIFERY, ZONKWA— Perpetua Oloba, SSL

ABOVE: Students reciting the nursing pledgeBELOW: Sr. Margaret Yusuf addressing the students

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by Rita Akin-Otiko, SSL

Consecrated Women: AnUnder-Appreciated Groupin the Catholic Church?

The Rector of the Josephite House of Formation inIbadan, Fr. Francis Shiaondo, sent out a messagevia social media on the first day of Advent. It was

a passionate appeal seeking more support for WomenReligious who according to him are under-appreciated.Although his appeal leaned more towards financialsupport, I felt it was a clarion call for the Catholics inNigeria to be more aware of their treatment of this groupof women who more often than not serve behind the bigChurch scenes in very crucial and life-giving apostolates—pastoral, educational, medical, and social. I, therefore,decided to send out the video message to other people:Woman/women Religious (WR), Catholic Priests (CP),Lay Faithful (LF) to hear their opinions. I am sharingas many of their responses as I can on this platform.● Fr. Francis Shiaondo. Quite prophetic. Food for

thought. Never grow tired of doing what is right,dear sr. (CP)

● He is very right; and I hope everybody is listening.(CP)

● This is a true talk. Eye opener to what some faithfuldo not know about the life austere of the religiousand the  living of  religious  in this presents times.May the Lord open the eyes and hearts of the faithfulto be responsive to the needs of our religious so thatthey can serve the Church of God better. Amen. (LF)

● May the good Lord continue to strengthen u. U arealways in my prayers. U sisters are gift to humanity.My family can testify. God is watching. He knowsur worth. People may not appreciate ur services andsacrifices but the Lord Almighty knows ur rewardin heaven. Take care always. God is ur strengthforever. We are forever grateful. The highest gift Ican give is my fervent prayers. U shall remainblessed. Be rest assured of my prayers Sr. (LF)

● Wao!  What a coincidence!  I talked to the CWOwomen about some aspect of this in St Rita's parishlast Saturday.  Their parish priest Rev Fr… invitedme to give the women a talk on the role of women in

the church and in the family. I support fully whathe said. (LF)

● Aww...Sr. Rita, this brought tears to my eyes thismorning even though I had a little knowledge of this,but I thought it has changed with time and exposure.Baba God really need to step in and we need to takeit up with the POPE or the other religious leadersall over the world. What about Parish Priests,Deanery Heads etc.? Do have a wonderful week Sr,we love you forever. (LF)

● Hard talk but so true. I have just shared it with alot of good Catholic families and friend that I know.Good morning Sister. (LF)

● It is a good talk. I am so grateful that my mothertaught me contentment in all things. I do my workhappily in the Name of Jesus and for the sake ofJesus to humanity.  Praise God! Remain blessed.(WR)

● How are u my dearest sis? I have a different viewentirely.... a priest who can use over 25k onrecharge  cards alone a month should be called toorder. And moreover, whoever told him the Rev. Sisare suffering. The Rev. sisters I know have giventheir all to God. They are satisfied with whateverthey have. They live a vow of chastity, poverty andobedience. That father has definitely forgotten hiscall may. God forgive me. What will otherdenominations think of us. Did he take permissionfrom his superiors before going public? Did the Revsisters tell him they are hungry? My dearest sis if uknow this priest pls tell him to stop disgracing us.(LF)

● [Response to the immediate above opinion] Ha! Thisis the problem. Very myopic view of issues raised.This person and many like her have to be speciallyinformed that the religious need to be supported.Did priests not take the same vows? … God bless allreligious for your work among us. Your reward isgreat in heaven. (LF)

● Good morning sister. This is unfortunately very true.Often however, I believe however, that it isignorance about the religious life rather thannegligence. Imagine a close friend years ago whosaid she could not allow her daughter to be a Rev Srbecause they are not trained like priests! I screamedand then took my time to explain to her what I knowtheir process of formation is, the much I know thenabout at least the OLA congregation. You expectrespect from such a person? I agree however that weall can do better in showing love,  respect andrecognition for our female religious. Whether we door not, you've said it all, your reward is abundantwith Papa God. God bless you sister. Have a blessedday. (LF)

● Wow! Good morning Sr. (LF)● This priest is a prophet! He spoke from his heart.

Thanks for sharing. (WR)● Honestly, I totally agree with this young priest.

Religious life is lived out better by the nuns thanpriests because of this fact. I think a review wouldbe encouraged even though there are exceptionswhere some nuns, like priests, are very buoyant and

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even building mansions at their homes or elsewhere.(CP)

● Good reflection. Let us rejoice that God is blessingus with heavenly riches. What can anyone give thatwill last? God our focus is the giver of unending gifts.His recognition of us is priceless. (WR)

● So, so, true. May God help us to do the right thing.(LF)

● God bless him, too. May God Almighty grant us thegrace of accepting this rejection here in earth, so thatwe may work diligently for our union with Him, ineternity, in the name of Jesus Christ. (WR)

● Thanks for sharing. Nice reflection. May God helpus (CP)

● Thanks to the Priest for his concern about theshoddy treatment of Consecrated women.Sometimes, it’s like a conspiracy because forinstance, two women Religious from two separatecongregations attended a function. From thebeginning of the program till when the host gave herdetailed vote of thanks, nobody identified the Sistersfor recognition which was accorded even late comersand students who sat on the same table as one ofthem. I feel that the shoddy treatment of WomenReligious is not only embarrassing but unjust. Bethat as it may, our deepest joy should come from ourfaithful service to the Lord of the work and Hispeople. (WR)

● True talk Sr. Very true. (LF)● I think we ourselves need to be united, loving and

caring for each other, and try to understand theselay women and accept them too as our co- workers.A lot of work need to be done with them though!(WR)

● For the first time in a particular diocese, theConsecrated women were invited to sing at aDiocesan Christmas Carols through the interventionof a lay man. People acknowledged the sonorouswell-organized rendition. At the end of it all, theLocal Ordinary took his time to thank everybodyexcept the Women Religious. At the end of theprogram, he told one of the Consecrated women thathe did it on purpose because their turnout was notimpressive. The Sister did not waste time in pointingout to him that he only noted the attendance of thosebeside him but failed to observe the larger group ofSisters who sat behind him, and in the crowd. So,it's not about monetary support as such, but respectfor us as persons and co-workers in the Lord'svineyard. (WR)

● I fought our parishioners and even a priest lastmonth for not recognizing one of the Franciscansisters who finished her tenure as their head inNigeria. She spent all the 5 years or more servicingin our parish.  Helping in all the Sunday Masses andalways available anytime the church needs them.She finished her tenure and left last month withoutany form of appreciation or recognition from thechurch, even the priest. It was only announced inthe mass. I felt bad about it and I had to ask why.My younger sister is over 30 years in sisterhood. Sheis with Immaculate Heart sisters. I am not saying

this because she is my sister, because I also live veryfar away from her, and we seldom see each other.What I am saying is sisters should be accorded samerespect like the fathers. It's unfair to not recognizeor appreciate their role in the church and society ingeneral. Most of the sisters are well educated,experienced and aged, far more than so many fatherswhom the play second fiddle to. This type ofmarginalisation is creating lots of problems in thewestern world where sisters can ask for their rightsin the church without being misunderstood. If thisis not quickly addressed, I am afraid we might besitting on a time bomb in the church. It is not fromGod. It’s unfair to humanity, let alone our religioussisters who I know are equally called by God, andare dedicated to their vows. What's, wrong in beingcreated a woman in the Catholic church, even whenso many are far more better than the priests. Sorrysister for my outburst. Just to show you that I havebeen harbouring that sentiment for a long time now.The cups are overflowing, is unfortunately, the rightwords. Which means something needs to be doneand quickly. (LF)

● The priest who sent out the message did so from aheart that seeks justice. I can however say that theworst enemies of Women religious are womenreligious themselves. It is high time we respectedourselves and asked for our rights instead of playingthe under-dog. (WR)

● Thank you very much for sharing this with me. Ihave always discussed this with my brother-Priests.… Sisters are more selfless than us. TheFemale Religious cannot own personal property,they don't have steady income, yet they servetirelessly and we (Priests) do not even appreciatethem. I am personally aware of some Parishes whereSister are avoided like 'lepers'. It is very, verypainful. May God grant us a change of heart. Weneed a genuine conversion of heart. (CP)

● I admire his deep sense of honesty and altruism.Thanks a lot for sharing this appealing video clip.(CP)

Are consecrated persons really under-appreciated?If yes, by whom? If yes, who will bring them justice? Ifyes, what are they doing about it?

I wish us all a most blessed and joy-filled Christmasand a peaceful and fruitful 2020. Amen!!!

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Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province

’Pelumi O’Dunsin,Chief Editorpelumi.dunsin@yahoo.com+234 (0)706 204 7492

Anthonia Eneanya SSLAssistant Chief Editortoniauc@yahoo.com+234 (0)703 792 9969

The Communications Office now has a corporate email,sslcomm.ng@gmail.com. Expect to get Contact andupdates via the mail address regularly. Write to us too.

CORPORATE EMAIL

Word to Live By

31 December 2019

Editorial

Dear Family,

Such love, such wondrous love… the earth sings! We are singingtoo. Joy to the world! For God so loved the world that he gave hisonly begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should notperish but have eternal life. His best gift to us is life through HisSon, Jesus the Christ. God himself promised to give us his ownlife— eternal life. And he fulfilled it in His Son (John 17:1-3). Thisseason reminds us that life has returned to the doomed humanrace again through the benevolence of the Creator. Glory! This Contact issue, our bundle of gift for this December,wrapped specially for you, family, is a demonstration of thebenevolence of God the Father, who gave of us His Son. Ourcontributors, you’d find out, were so generous with their creativegifts and time, making this issue one of the richest in the historyof the newsletter. It is just the perfect gift to unwrap, recline andenjoy in the atmosphere of the dawn of a new year. We are always grateful for your constant support towardsmaking the newsletter a much expected, monthly treat. We wishyou all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, fulfilling New Year 2020just ahead. Happy Reading!

“Glory to Godin highestheaven, andpeace on earthto those withwhom God ispleased.”— Angels, Luke 2:14(The Bible)

God’s Wondrous Love

’Pelumi O’Dunsin

Inspirational

Reap the Earth— Mayaki immaculata (Novice)

Ages long past,ages now and to comewould bless mother earthas long as life lasts.Yet unpatriotic there arethose who fell trees,burning like no one exists.Still, caring for earth we must dare.In our mother’s homewe reap the earth produceall organic they are… and happy we arethrough our gentle carefor making mother earth home.We always must remembernever to bite the finger that feeds usfrom January till December.

4th Sr. Theresa Olaniyan Birthday16th Sr. Francisca Nkwuzor Birthday21st Sr. Agnes Abba Feastday21st Sr. Agnes Titilola Ewedeyi Feastday21st Sr. Agnes Adebayo Feastday21st Sr. Agnes Olufunke Adeluyi Feastday21st Sr. Martina Ariyo Birthday26th Sr. Eunice Abiriyi Feastday26th Sr. Lois Moses Feastday27th Sr. Angela Chioma Ogu Feastday27th Sr. Angela Onyema Feastday28th Sr. Agnes Adefunke Babalola Birthday

JANUARY

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