Kwande, Nigeria. December 8, the radiant Feast of the Immaculate Conception, will forever shine as a historic and grace-laden milestone for the Claretians in North Nigeria. On this blessed day, the family of Claretian Missionaries gathered in joy and thanksgiving to witness the solemn inauguration of the new Dependent Delegation of North Nigeria, celebrated at St. John Mary Vianney Parish, Kwande, in the Diocese of Shendam, Plateau State.
This new Delegation, a fruit of faith and fraternity, continues to draw strength and guidance from its mother Province, the East Nigeria Province, as affirmed in the official decree of erection. It stands as a living testimony of communion, mission, and brotherhood, entrusted to shepherd souls and spread the fire of God’s love in the northern regions.
The government of this Delegation, called to serve in humility and unity, is composed of:
- Fr. Cornelius Nweke, CMF – Delegate Superior
- Fr. Emmanuel Okwara, CMF – Consultor Econome
- Fr. Emmanuel Ukata, CMF – Consultor Secretary
Together, these brothers carry the torch of Claretian spirituality, fostering fraternity and mission, and ensuring that this new Delegation flourishes as a vibrant branch of the Claretian family tree.
The Provincial Government was represented at the ceremony by Fr. Dominic Ukpong, CMF, the Provincial Secretary, who conveyed the sentiment of the provincial government to all present.
In his homily, Fr. Marcel Oparaji, CMF, traced the history of the Claretian mission in North Nigeria, offering heartfelt gratitude to past coordinators of the northern mission and the Provincial Superiors who guided and nurtured its growth. He explained the meaning of the day’s celebration, calling for renewed zeal among the missionaries and deeper collaboration with the lay faithful in advancing the mission.
During the liturgy, the Provincial Secretary Fr. Dominic Ukpong, who represented the Provincial Government at the celebration, solemnly proclaimed the decree of erection of the new Delegation and formally presented the government of the Delegation to the assembly. He also conveyed the goodwill of the Provincial Government to the missionaries, congratulating them all—especially the members of the newly appointed Delegation Government—for their dedication and service. His words of encouragement highlighted the importance of unity, perseverance, and missionary zeal in ensuring that the new Delegation flourishes.
The lay faithful, filled with joy at witnessing this historic milestone, expressed their gratitude and commitment to supporting the mission. Together with the Claretians, they prayed fervently for the growth, vitality, and fruitfulness of the new Delegation. The celebration was marked by hymns of thanksgiving, a spirit of fraternity, and renewed hope for the future. This inauguration marks a new chapter for the Claretians in North Nigeria, strengthening their mission of evangelization, formation, and service to the local Church, while inspiring all present to continue walking faithfully in the footsteps of St. Anthony Mary Claret.
