Ikeja, Nigeria. In a jubilant celebration that marks five decades of dedicated service and spiritual guidance, the Claretian Missionaries in Nigeria commenced their Jubilee Week Activities. The week-long celebration, which began on October 29, 2023, with the arrival of Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, the Superior General of the Claretian Missionaries, has brought warmth and spiritual enlightenment to the hearts of the faithful in Nigeria.

Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, was warmly welcomed to Ikeja, Lagos State, by the Major Superior of the Delegation of West Nigeria, Fr. Augustine Madaiyedu, CMF, and other Claretian brothers. This momentous occasion heralded the beginning of the jubilee festivities, commemorating 50 years of the Claretian presence in Nigeria (1973-2023).

On October 30, 2023, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, the Superior General, inaugurated the Jubilee Week with the blessing of the Claretian Academy in Ewu-owa, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The Claretian entourage, including the Major Superior of the Delegation of West Nigeria and his council members, was graciously received by the school manager, Fr. Terseer Ubi, CMF along with the college’s staff and students. A highlight of this moment was the unveiling of a new, school building, followed by the blessing of the entire structure. Fr. Mathew shared words of encouragement with the assembly and extended his blessings to all present.

The Jubilee train is set to proceed to Enugu State in East Nigeria Province on November 1, 2023, where they will bestow blessings upon three Claretian schools recently completed. The celebration continues on November 2, 2023, with a Mass at the Claretian Cemetery in Nekede and a lively Novelty Football match pitting Claretian Priests against seminarians. On November 3, 2023, the Jubilee Ordination ceremony will take place, to be presided over by Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, His Excellency, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji. This will be followed by a Colloquium and a joyous social evening at the Claretian University of Nigeria in Nekede. The Jubilee Week’s grand finale is the Jubilee Day Celebrations on November 4, 2023. It will include the Jubilee Mass at the Claretian Martyrs Chapel, Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, to be celebrated by the first Nigerian Claretian Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, CMF, of Makurdi Diocese.

Source:  Fr. Mathew Mmuo, CMF, Secretary, Jubilee Committee, Nigeria