THE JOURNEY TO FINAL COMMITMENT OF THE FIRST ASSOCIATES
– “I saw you under the cross”, says St. Julie to the Associates
Associates that made commitment with Sr. Fidelia Chukwu, SNDdeN (Moderator), Fr. Pius Aniekop CM, and Sr. MaryPrecious Ugwuoke, SNDdeN (Coordinator)
The journey started with a recollection for the Associates towards their commitment as Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Sr. Esther Adama, SNDdeN who spoke on holiness, challenged the Associates in her talk titled “Call the Holiness”. She said the Hebrew word for Holiness – “Kadahs” means “to set apart”, the Associates are set apart by God to holiness.
According to Sr. Esther, marriage life is a commitment as much as religious life, in all the responsibility of a married person and a consecrated person is gear towards commitment to God and living a holy life. She went further to say that a life of holiness is a call to live righteous to the commitment that demands daily fidelity to God. Luke 9:23, 26.
She also said that to be committed, there will be challenges, distractions and trials, like St. Julie we must and should remain on track, and focus on God amidst all distraction and trial.
Sr. Esther called on the Associates to look at the life of St. Julie and emulate her;
- Personal life style
- Relationship with people
- Apostolic engagement
- Devotion to Mary
Some Associates signing the commitment register
The rite of covenant was administered by Sr. Fidelia Chukwu, SNDdeN, the Moderator, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Nigeria Province. The Associates made their commitments accordingly. They were twelve Associates in all, two new members, three for renewal, and seven for final commitment. They expressed their joys and prayed to remain faithful to their commitments.
Words from the Leadership Team: Sr. Fidelia was grateful to God for the success of the ceremony. She said that the Associates have assumed a higher responsibility, and “to whom much is given much is expected”. She encouraged the Associates to make themselves available for the work of God, through the spirituality of St. Julie – Simplicity, Obedience and Charity. She challenged them to have concern for those living in poverty.
Sr. Fidelia Chukwu urged the Associates to work hard to form a body – Associates of Nigeria Province , whereby they will share and exchange ideas with Associates from other zones.
Signing of the commitment register
Appreciation: The Associates’ coordinator, Sr. MaryPrecious Ugwuoke, SNDdeN thanked everyone for their prayers and support for the huge success the Associates commitment.
Thanksgiving procession during liturgy The Associates with the Sisters and the Priest
Sisters singing during liturgy.