RE-EMERGENCE OF ST. LOUIS CONVENT BOARDING HOUSE - …

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Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province

31 January 2020

In this issue


RE-EMERGENCE OF ST. LOUISCONVENT BOARDING HOUSE- MOKOLA, IBADAN

St. Louis Convent Boarding House(SLCBH), Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo Statewas re-opened on 17th January

2021 having been shut down for over twoand a half years. The newly renovatedChapel with all the sacramentals wasblessed during a Eucharistic celebrationofficiated by Fr. Christopher Ojo, of theSS Peter and Paul Major Seminary,Bodija, Ibadan. The recommended ritesof blessing a new Church were strictlyadhered to.

Drawing his homily from the firstbook of Samuel chapter 3:3-10,19, Fr.

Christopher noted that young people oftoday have so many questions needinganswers and are constantly in need ofsomeone to guide them aright.Fortunately, Priests and Religious actingas disciples of Jesus, are the Elis of todayto young people. He added that studentscoming in as boarders rely a lot on thestyle of formation they would be givenby the Sisters of St. Louis and so, theymust not be disappointment. He drewthe attention of the Sisters of St. Louis tothe fact that students who are cominginto the boarding house are the same

—Anthonia Eneanya, SSL

L-R: Sisters Theresa Olaniyan, Anthonia Eneanya, Fr. Christopher Ojo,Sisters Madeleine Ohiri, Lucy Abuh and Rita Akin-Otiko with SCBH kitchenstaff - Mrs. Nwachukwu (left) & Mrs. Nwankwo & her children.

Students set to Mass in the newly renovated Chapel

● St. Louis Convent Boarding House● 2020 First Profession of Vows● Theologians Seminar 2021● Women Religious in Oyo Diocese Meet with Bishop Badejo● Pacesetting Christmas Party in Louisville Abuja● Novitiate Community Celebrate with Ilu-Ireti Children● Child Protection & Safeguarding● Heart of the Matter● Health & Wellness● Editorial


kind of people in the larger society. Therefore, likeSamuel in the Bible passage, they must be guidedaright. After the reception of the Holy Communion, thetabernacle was also blessed and restored, and a fewminutes of adoration was observed.

Speaking after the Mass, Sr. Rita Akin-Otiko, SSL onbehalf of the Sisters of St. Louis thanked Fr. ChristopherOjo and indeed the SS Peter and Paul Major Seminarycommunity for continuing to celebrate the HolyEucharist at the Convent throughout the period theboarding house was closed down. She equally thanked

the Old Students and Friends in absentia for theirtremendous support for their alma mater.

In all, twenty-three girls resumed in the boardinghouse that same day and were immediately placed intheir houses. St. Louis Convent Boarding House isdivided into two houses namely, Dympna Drury House(Pink house) and Colmar House – (Yellow house). Sincethe opening, more girls have been welcomed into theboarding house. The re-emergence of SLCBH is theLord’s doing, a marvel to behold.

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Few minutes adoration during the blessing of the Tabernacle

Presentation of Gifts and Blessing of Chalice and Ciborium and other Altar Vessels Blessing of the newly erected grotto of Mother Mary

Chapel and Dinning corridor Blessing of the Students Hostel

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Front view of St. Louis Convent Boarding house Inside front view of SCBH - (Students Clothes lines)

Walk way into the Boarding House The new look of the front view of the Chapel

Students in their newly made house wears and bed covers donated by an Old Student Students in their newly made house wears and bed covers donated by an Old Student

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Congratulations on your First Profession of VowsSISTERS ESTHER, JOAN, LINDA AND MARY

ON TUESDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2020

Sister Joan Samuel Sister Linda Christopher Sister Esther Pam Sister Mary John

L-R: Sisters Mary Okewola, Felicia ogundana, Confidence Udeh, Franca Nkwuzor & Agnes Adeluyi with the Newly Professed Sisters

L-R: Sisters Franca Ola (Novice Mistress), Mary John, Esther Pam, Joan Samuel, Linda Christopher and Christie Kure (Provincial Leader) after the Mass

Members of the Choir during the Ceremony

L-R: Cross Section of Sisters during the ceremony Associates and Friends of St. Louis with the Newly Professed

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The International Union of Superiors General(UISG) organised an academic symposium forsome women religious theologians across the

globe. The meeting was scheduled to hold in Rome, butwas postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Azoom seminar was held from 14th - 15th January 2021as part of the activities for the symposium. There werefour facilitators and 27 participants from differentcontinents for the programme. Among the participantswere two representatives from Nigeria.

The purpose of the gathering was to form a globalcommunity of consecrated women theologians whoare theologians/scriptural, scholar/canon lawyers andcatechetical leaders in order to collaborate and shareknowledge. The functions of the new theologicalcommunity include the following: ‘to engage in theconversations needed, to write what is needed, buildcommunity here and beyond here and to hear fromone another and see what calls for creation’.

Some of the activities that took place at theconference were prayers, sharing of our vocation

stories, how COVID-19 has impacted us as individualsand congregations, as well as significant things thathappened to our countries as a result of COVID-19pandemic. There were, in groups, paper presentationsby the participants.

The UISG and facilitators of the seminar wereappreciated for the great initiative of forming such aglobal body of experts of consecrated women.The history of UISG was traced to 8 December 1965,(the closing day of the Vatican Council), when thedecree establishing the International Union ofSuperiors General was signed.

The aims of UISG have remained the same since itsfoundation and you will see the desire for communionand solidarity expressed in various ways throughoutthese aims.● To bear witness to the charism of Religious Life and

to help support the development of Religious Lifein the Church and the world.

● To promote deeper collaboration by providingopportunities for Superiors General to share

—Matilda Owolagba, SSL

Participants at the Zoom Meeting (Sister Matilda owolagba - 3rd to the Left, Second Roll)

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WOMEN RELIGIOUS IN OYO DIOCESEMEET WITH BISHOP BADEJO

On Wednesday, 13 January 2021, the bishop ofOyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel AdetoyeseBadejo had a day chat with the religious

women in the Diocese, at the Diocesan pastoral centrein Oyo. The Sisters of St. Louis in Iseyin and Ijio werepresent in their numbers. Other congregations whowere present at the meeting include the FranciscanSisters of the Immaculate Conception, Sisters of St.

Michael the Arch Angel, Passionist Sisters, UniversitySisters of the Assumption, Daughters of the Holy SpiritSisters and the Immaculate Heart Sisters. The focus of the meeting was to appreciate thewomen religious for their presence in the diocese andalso to encourage them to put in more effort to theirwork and the affairs of the NCWR in the diocese.

—Anne Akinjola, SSL

experiences, exchange information and promoteworldwide communication.

● To reflect on today’s global challenges forappropriate responses

● To strengthen relationships and to engage incollaborative dialogue with the Holy See especiallywith CIVCSVA (The Congregation for Religious).Propaganda Fide and Pontifical Councils.

● To provide a forum and a meeting place for allSuperiors General of female congregations ofApostolic Life and of female Diocesan congregation.

● To express solidarity and collaborate in projects ofgeneral interest.

Sisters in Ijio & Iseyin Communities with other Women Religious in Oyo Diocese with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo


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Undoubtedly, year 2020 wassuch a very unique yearwith its hick-ups in several

dimensions which stem fromCOVID-19 pandemic. All of thesemade it quite unthinkable foranyone to gather people in thename of celebrating Christmas.However, Louisville Abuja in heringenuity and pacesetting acumenahead of many other schools inNigeria innovated a seamlessplatform by which parents couldconnect with their wards fromhome via Internet.

Interestingly, Louisville Abujacelebrated her Christmas Cantataon December 17 2020, in her multi-purpose hall with the students andthe staff members. The parentswere not physically present butconnected through live streaming.It is important to emphasis that thisis the first of its kinds in the historyof the school situated on a hill alongKaida Road.

The event was graciouslygarnished with different activities.

There were house by housepresentations. There were solo,duet and quartet renditions. Thedrama group also performed ascintillating drama. There wasaward and prize giving ceremonyalso. To crown it all, Revd. Fr. TONY,Anike was also present to anchorthe homily.

Rev. Sr. Veronica, Orunmoluyigave the opening remark. Being theincumbent Principal, she was theMother of the Day. In her key notespeech, she laid credence to theuniqueness of the season. TheReligious, enjoined the students toenjoy themselves and be grateful toGod for life. She also prayed forpeace for all and sundry.

Revd. Fr. Tony, Anike (MSP), wasthe Spiritual Father of the Day. Hewas honoured to give the Christmasmessage. The pious eloquentlyspoke with self effacing humour onthe significance of Christmas. Fr.Tony was down to earth as hedecipher the Word of God to theextent that the students were

engrossed till the end of hisexhortation.

At the end of the occasion, MrKazi, Ezekiel, Vice PrincipalAcademics, effusively gave the voteof thanks. He recognized everyonethat contributed to the success ofthe ground breaking event andprayed that they be adequatelyrewarded.It is worthy of note that 2020Christmas celebration successfullywaved a magic wand over Coronavirus pandemic and lo, the seasonbrought tremendous joy andbeauty to our world.

LOUISVILLE ABUJA CELEBRATES A PACESETTINGCHRISTMAS CANTATA IN A GRAND STYLE“Christmas is the only weapon strong enough to break the vibe behind Corona virus” Benjamin O.

—Benjamin Oluwagbemi (Teacher)

Louisville Girls Abuja during one of their Presentations Sister Veronica Orunmoluyi (Principal)

Invited School

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NOVITIATE COMMUNITY CELEBRATESCHRISTMAS WITH ILU-IRETI CHILDREN

Children are gift from the Lordto parents, the society, and thechurch. How happy it is to be

in their midst, because theirinnocence reveals the simplicity ofJesus Christ, who even though is God,but took human flesh to give us joy,peace in a humble way, that is whyJesus in the gospel of St. Luke 18:16-17 says, ‘’let the children come to meand forbid them not, for such is thekingdom of God. And whoever doesnot receive the kingdom of God like achild will never enter it.

And so, We the Novitiatecommunity, in sharing the joy of theinfant Jesus, on this day 28 December,2020, being the feast of the HolyInnocents, celebrated with the Ilu-Ireti children, the joy of Christmas. Onour arrival, we met some of thechildren in the hall, while others wereat home. We immediately went roundto let them know we were around.This year, due to COVID-19, the venuewas changed. It took place in theIlu-Ireti compound, so as to take pre-caution. The programme started withpraise and worship by one of thechildren, then opening prayer by Sr.Cecilia Lengpang. After that, theNovices gave a presentation of aChristmas song title ‘’God rest you

merry gentlemen,’’ which waswonderfully sang and the childrenwere happy.

We marvelled at the children’ssmartness during the programme asit was encouraging and challenging.The children, who were outstandingin their participation, were affirmedwith a token from Barrister & Mrs Joel& Johanna Ogbaisi (son & daughter ofcatechist Mary Ologunagba), (AnAssociate).

The children also engaged indancing competition and the bestdancers were encouraged, there werealso presentation of gifts to all thechildren, after which food and drinkswere shared to the children. Thechildren and some of their parents

present in the hall appreciated us. Wewere happy and fulfilled seeing themhappy.

The programme ended at about3:30pm with a closing prayer by oneof the children (Mary Ayodele). Theseason of Christmas is aboutwitnessing joy, peace, love of Christand putting smiles on people faces,especially the poor and needy. Thepeople of Ilu-Ireti were so happy andwe in turn returned all praises to theTriune God, who made the day to bepossible and successful; And we alsothanked the Sisters for their supportand participation, may God continueto strengthen us (Amen).

—Tabitha and Josephine

Novices entertaining the Children during the party Children dancing during the Party

Sis Children Dancing during the Party

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Health & Wellness

—Theresa Olaniyan, SSL

The above named committee having met tolook at the implementation of Child ProtectionPolicy in our various organisations and indeed

in the entire province would embark on a tour of theapostolates needing review of their policies andpractices. We humbly request all the Heads of St.Louis run and owned Organisations and Institutionsto suggest three different convenient dates for thecommittee’s visit. The visit aims to create the awareness for theimplementation of the Safeguarding policy andsustain Child Protection system. Hence, thecommittee would requests at different times, theaudience of the pupils/students, parents and staffduring the visit. The members would communicateother details with the management. It is noteworthy for clarity that it involves everyaspect of our commitment to service: Schools,Homes, Formation Houses, Health institutions, Skillacquisition centre, Hospitality and Retreat centreand Pastoral care ministry. The committee after deliberating on yourproposals, would send its confirmation dates to you.We humbly request that the confirmation dates beincluded in your year planner as a reminder. Thetime-frame for the visit spans through February2021-March 2022.

Thank you, Sisters, as we can always count onyour cooperation in making the minors and thevulnerable safe under your tutelage. We would appreciate it if you could accord ourrequest with an accent of importance andcommunicate to the committee on or before the endof January 2021. Love and best wishes of Protective, Safeguardedand Harmless year 2021 to you and all yours. Amen.

All correspondence:[email protected]

CHILD SAFEGUARD COMMITTEEVISIT TO ORGANISATIONS ANDINSTITUTIONS IN THE PROVINCE

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by Rita Akin-Otiko, SSL

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Have you ever been asked to make a choicebetween your life and your hard-earnedmoney? Many years back, it used to be a

commonplace on-the-spot inquiry by men of theunderworld posed to their vulnerable victims, albeitin the most demeaning manner. In the heat of theundesirable encounter, most preys relinquished theirmoney and chose life. However, others impulsivelyclung to their treasures and lost both their valuablesand their lives.

Increasingly these days in Religious communities,there is a lot of focus on money, money, money. Thesedays, most considerations seem to be silhouettedagainst how much money is hauled home. Apostolatesare valued by money, plenty of money. A Religious issuccessful as long as the apostolate in which she isserving is money-spinning. Her personal value ismeasured alongside the economic status of herapostolate. How she feels is inconsequential, providedshe bows her head in obeisance to the call to churnin every incoming dime and account for every out-going kobo. Of course, accountability is essential inany human endeavour, nevertheless, the processdetermines the intent.

Whether one is engaged in diocesan apostolates orcongregational ministries, it is more crucial now thanever to be aware of the driving force of a Religious asthey daily participate in their educational, social,health or pastoral ministries? Is this engagement aservice for the salvation of souls, or secular activitiesto swell communities’ savings and be offered aninconsequential pat on their worn-out backs. Howcan Religious describe the connexion between themand the leaders who appointed them into theseministries? Is it an employer-employee association;a superior-inferior assignment; sister-sisterrelationship etc.? What do responsibility andaccountability mean to all parties involved?

This is by no means an attempt to underestimate theimportance of money and its ability to provide sometemporary comfort. However, when money is apreferred and chosen alternative over and above

enduring ideals such as right relationship, sisterlylove, communion, harmony, wholesomeness etc. then,there is need for a re-evaluation of the wholeperception and interpretation of the essence ofReligious life. How can one explain the palpableappreciation of money and depreciation of the qualityof the lives of those toiling for it? What is moreimportant, the money being heave in, or the sanityof the labourer?

Your money or your life? Back then, it used to seemto me that the callous men in their estimation neverexpected people to have both. In retrospect, sincemoney appears to be overrated in Religiouscommunities, I fathom that inquiry to be animportant question for deep reflection. It has becomenecessary to examine if money is more importantthan the feelings and lives of the Religious who worktirelessly to make the fiscal buoyancy a reality?Granted, this money is not a personal possession,however, it is of utmost importance that the processof accountability is underscored by appreciation, trustand healthy freedom which are deficient in thepredator-prey encounter which ensues when anunsuspecting victim is accosted by some randomcriminal on a street corner.

The unequivocal declaration of the Lord in Matthew6:24, “No one can serve two masters: Either you willhate the one and love the other, or you will be devotedto the one and despise the other. You cannot serveboth God and money” becomes even more relevant inReligious communities where, either overtly orcovertly, those who are in charge of apostolates haveno option but to choose between money and theirhabitually fatigued lives.

Your Money or Your Life?

This is by no means an attempt tounderestimate the importance ofmoney and its ability to providesome temporary comfort.

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Health & Wellness

HealthWellnessTalk&

By Janet Makinde, SSL

Dear family and friends,

This month we will be looking at Water; how muchyou should drink & how you should drink.

Water is essential to health. Drinkingenough can help you burn fat andincrease your energy levels. The body

constantly looses water throughout the daythrough urine, sweat and from regular bodyfunctions like breathing. To prevent dehydrationyou need to take a lot of water. There are different options on how muchwater you should take per day. Health expertsrecommend 2 litres or half a gallon daily and itshould be sipped not rushed. You don’t have tobe thirsty before you drink water.

How much water you drink daily depends on some factors;

● Women - 11.5 cups (2.7 litres) daily.● Men : 15.5 cups (3.7 litres) daily and this

includes fluids from water, beverages,juice & food.

● Environment; you need more water inhot, humid, dry or if you live in mountainareas, spend more time outdoors, in thesun or heated room.

● Your diet; you might need more water ifyou drink coffee, beverages, spicy, salty,sugary food because you might makemore urine.

● The temperature or seasons; you needmore water in warmer seasons thancooler ones due to perspiration

● Physical activities; if you are active you'll need more water than the person at the desk.

●● Your health; if you have a fever, an

infection, vomiting etc or on diuretic drugs you would need to replace lost fluids.

Mild dehydration caused by exercise or heat canhave negative effects on both your physical &mental performance.Keep hydrated.

● Carrying nutrients and oxygen to yourcells.

● Flashing bacteria from your bladder.● Aiding digestion.● Preventing constipation.● Normalizing blood

pressure.● Stabilizing the heartbeat.● Cushioning joints.● Protecting organs and

tissues.

Benefits of drinking water

Produced by the Sisters ofSt. Louis, Nigeria Province

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Newsletter of Sisters of St. Louis, Nigeria Province

Anthonia Eneanya SSL [email protected]+234 (0)703 792 9969

The Communications Office now has a corporate email,[email protected]. Expect to get Contact andupdates via the mail address regularly. Write to us too.

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Word to Live By

31 January 2021

Editorial

Dear Sisters & Friends,

Greetings of peace! We give glory to God whose power,working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask orimagine: We give glory to Him from generation to generationin the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. 2nd February is around the corner. A time when theuniversal Church celebrates those consecrated to God by theVows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience and havepersevered in their commitment to the Lord. Happy feast dayto us all Sisters!

As we begin this new year 2021, the invitation is for usto continue striving in our heavenly race on earth, and nevergive up. Even when it seems we are falling, there is no needto panic. All we need do is to trust in God whose power is atwork in us!

And so we bring you another edition of our ContactNewsletter! We hope you will find it enriching.

Thank you for your readership. Please remember to sendus your comments as you have always done!

Thank you and God bless!

Inspirational

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Happy Feast day to us!

Consecrated life it’s about new life. Itis a living encounter with the Lord inhis people. It is a call to the faithfulobedience of daily life and to theunexpected surprises from the Spirit.It is a vision of what we need toembrace in order to experience joy:Jesus…—Pope Francis, WDCL Homily onFebruary 2, 2019

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2nd Sr. Agnes Kehinde Ojo Birthday

5th Sr. Agatha Nwanyanwu Feastday

6th Sr. Dorothy Yayock Feastday

8th Sr. Felicia Ogundana Birthday

12th Sr. Roseline James Birthday

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RE-EMERGENCE OF ST. LOUIS CONVENT BOARDING HOUSE - …

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