Some Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur made their final commitment in the Congregation. The ceremony took place in Kwara State, Ilorin diocese where the Sisters work in spreading God’s goodness amongst the people of God. They pledged to work with the Sisters in living out their lives in the spirit of Saint Julie Billiart, the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Srs. Josephine Tor and Rita Osigwe, SNDdeN
Our good God is indeed so very good! We thank God for the successful final vows, silver and diamond jubilees celebration of our sisters which took place on the 8th of August, 2020; at St. Theresa’s Catholic church, Enugu. The mass was celebrated by the bishop of Enugu Diocese. Due to the impact of Covid-19, only few of our sisters, family members of the celebrants, friends, and some parishioners were opportune to grace the ceremony. However, it was a great and memorable day.
The highpoint of the celebration was the sealing of covenant between the older members and the newly finally professed sisters. It was a solemn moment for all the sisters because they promised to support one another in the journey of making known God’s goodness. Also the moderator, Sr. Fidelis Chukwu on behalf of the Sisters of Notre Dame Nigeria province expressed gratitude to the Silver/ Diamond jubilarians for their years of dedication and active service to the mission of the Congregation, and invited them to renew their vows in the presence of all.
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;
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.