How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord!  Ps 83
by MaryPrecious Ugwuoke, SNDdeN

The dream of having another community for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Kuje-Abuja started in June 2019 when the foundation was dug. The dream continued as blocks were laid in August, 2019. With the special grace of God and through the generosity of benefactors and benefactresses of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Leadership Team of the Province were able to actualize the dream.

It was a dream come true on 22nd June 2020, the commemoration of the Canonization of St. Julie Billiart, foundress of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama arrived at the convent with his three secretaries for the blessing of the new Convent and was warmly welcomed by Rev. Sr. Fidelia Chukwu, SNDdeN, the Provincial Moderator and Sr. MaryPrecious Ugwuoke, SNDdeN, the Province Secretary.

The Eucharistic celebration commenced immediately. In his homily, the Archbishop said that the readings were reminding us that God should be number one in all that we do. “If we stay close to God, God will be close to us but when we distance ourselves from God, then God will be far from us, and that is how problems start.” He added that in coming close to God, everything will flow well. The essence of being Sisters of Notre Dame is to be close to God. Meanwhile, the Blessed Sacrament which will be installed today will be a source of strength for the sisters. Jesus Christ, the great teacher teaches us how to live in harmony with one another, in families, parishes and religious communities. The best way to build a community is to avoid being judgmental.

He prayed and encouraged the sisters to be patient, knowing that God is there for them and will do a lot for them. He congratulated them for having achieved a lot since the foundation of the Congregation in1804. He welcomed them to Archdiocese of Abuja expressing his joy for the sisters’ presence in Abuja.

Sr. Fidelia Chukwu extended her unreserved appreciation to the bishop, priests and religious for their presence, as well as the Engineers and their Team who designed and built the structure. She equally thanked and welcomed the Associates of the Province, the staff, media Team and everyone present.

Sister Esther Adama, SNDdeN thanked everyone in different languages on behalf of Sister Fidelia Chukwu.

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The building was finally blessed and all went out joyfully to the hospital site for the blessing of the land.

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