Nekede, Nigeria. Young Claretian missionaries of East Nigeria Province, gathered at the CMF House of Formation, Claretian Institute of Philosophy (CIP), Maryland, Nekede, Nigeria from June 9 to 13, 2026, for the Quinquennium programme. Guided by the theme “Claretian Identity: Five Years Aflame,” the encounter supported participants in their transition from initial formation to the realities of active pastoral ministry.
The programme was facilitated by Fr. Stanislaus Ekwujuru, CMF, Prefect of Formation, and Fr. Rowland Onyenali, CMF, Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life. It began on June 9 with the arrival of participants, fraternal exchanges, and an orientation session.
In his opening address, the Provincial Superior, Fr. Nathaniel Eke, CMF, welcomed the young missionaries and encouraged them to regard their first five years of ministry as a foundational period for building a sustainable and lifelong Claretian missionary vocation.
An important part of the gathering was the sharing of experiences from the participants’ communities and apostolates. In an atmosphere of mutual trust, they spoke openly about their joys, hopes, difficulties, and pastoral challenges. These conversations provided an opportunity for fraternity, attentive listening, and accompaniment.
Reflecting on the programme’s central theme, Fr. Rowland Onyenali, CMF, invited the participants to deepen their understanding of Claretian identity. He encouraged them to look beyond the immediate demands of ministry and rediscover the missionary fire exemplified by the Founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret.
The programme also promoted holistic well-being through recreation and community-building activities. Participants joined students in initial formation for friendly competitions in football, volleyball, and table tennis. A shared lunch on June 12 further strengthened fraternity in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
The Quinquennium concluded on June 13 with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the JMJ Retreat Center. The encounter renewed the participants’ commitment to living their Claretian identity with fraternity, pastoral dedication, and missionary zeal.
