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OPENING OF THE BOOK CENTRE IN ACCRA, GHANA

Details: Fr Gerard Tanko, SSP; 12/09/2023

On 02 January 2022, theSolemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Society of Saint Paul, Nigeria Region, formally began its apostolate in Ghana with the opening ofa state-of-artBook and Media Centre!The facility was blessed and inaugurated at Kutunse, Accra by Reverend Father John Kobina Louis, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Accra in the presence ofFather Joseph Kandachamkunnel,Regional Superior. Present on the occasion were the local Chief of Kutunse, priests and parishioners ofSaint Bakhita and neighbouring parishes.

Addressing the gathering,Father Josephexpressed joyat the realization of the first project of the new Region and assured thosepresent that the very purpose of the Pauline presence in Ghanawas to remain committed toserving the Church and people of Ghanathrough our apostolate. Father JiksonMullasseril in his Vote of Thanks appreciatedthe cordial welcome received from His Grace, Most Rev John Bonaventure Kwofie, Archbishop of Accra, and for His Grace’s guidance in realizing this dream;he also thanked the General Government of the Society of Saint Paul forits constant support and encouragement. Hefurtherexpressed his indebtednessto the Vicar General, representing the Archbishop, for making himself available for this event. Father Jikson also appreciated the presence of the patrons and friends of the Society of Saint Paul for their encouragement and support in realizing the project.

Thosevisitingthe centre expressedmuch joy and gratitude forthe commencement ofthe Pauline mission in their midst. Many shared their surprise and delight at the quality and variety of books and religious articles on display,wondering aloudwhy we had not begun our mission earlier in their country!The solemn occasionconcluded withlight refreshments.

We thank FathersJiksonMullasseril andGeorge Augustin, the pioneers of the Mission, forthe sacrifices they made and for their commitment and dedicationin realizing this dream project of the Society of Saint Paul in Ghana.

Details: Fr Gerard Tanko, SSP; 12/09/2023

Thursday, 8 of July, 2021 was a memorable day for Brothers Valentine Obumkaneme and Michael Muogbo, as the duo were conferred the Ministry of Acolyte, an important milestone in formation to the priesthood. The ceremony took place in the community chapel at Ibadan, during the Holy Mass presided over by the Regional Superior and concelebrated by the Superior of the community, Fr Robert and Coordinator General of Formation, Fr Praveen.

The day was special due to the conferment of the ministry and the Regional superior prayed that both Bro.Valentine and Bro. Michael may understand the importance of the ministry and commit themselves to fulfill the ministry well. In the homily he gave a concise history of the ministry and reminded the two of the call to serve the church as it was made up of many different parts, functioning differently yet one entity.

The candidates after the homily were invited to the front of the altar to recite the formular of the Ministry and presented with the chalice to prepare the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

After the mass, there was the cake cutting to congratulate the Acolytes.

Entrance to Novitiate

Details: Fr Gerard Tanko, SSP; 12/09/2023

Tuesday 7 September 2021 will remain a blessed moment in the history of the Society of St Paul in Nigeria to thank and be grateful to Jesus our Divine Master. On this day, nine of its Postulants, the largest number so far to be admitted to the Novitiate in the Region of Nigeria, entered the Canonical year of Novitiate. The ceremony,presided over by Fr Joseph Kandachamkunnel, the Regional Superior, inthe Community Chapel, Ibadan. Present on the occasion were Fr Peter Perunnilathil, Superior, and Fr Praveen Chirathara, the Novice Master, and the members of the community. Reminding the Novices, that the year of novitiate is a year of blessings and graces, the Regional Superior admonished them to profitably and fruitfullyspend itbystriving to deepen their call to religious life and Pauline Vocation by detaching themselves from preconceived notions of the religious life and allow the Holy Spirit to form Jesus Masterin them.He also exhorted them to live the year of Novitiate under the mantle of Mary, Queen of Apostles and Saint Paul our Father and Patron. The Regional Superior then entrusted the Novices to the care of their Master Fr Praveen Chirathara.

Feast of Blessed James Alberione

Details: Gerard N. Tanko, SSP; 12/09/2023

It was a joyful moment on the 26th of November for the Region of Nigeria as it marked triple celebrations: Feast of our Founder as we observe the Golden anniversary of his entrance to the heaven; the First Religious Profession of four of Novices: Stanislaus, Ernest, Sunday, and Paul, and the blessing of the administrative block of the Regional House in Lagos.

The day’s celebrations began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Grace Most Rev. Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of Lagos. The Archbishop in his homily highlighted the peculiar situation of Alberione as a young minor seminarian, and how, by the grace of God, and with his individual efforts, he was able to rise and stand tall, making an impact in the Church to the extent of attracting the recognition of the Pope Saint Paul VI, who conferred him with a medal and visited him moments before his death.

During the Eucharist, Four Novices made their first Religious Profession, after the completion of the canonical year of Novitiate. After the Mass, the archbishop along with the priests present blessed the offices of the administrative block of the Region.

The occasion was graced by Religious sisters, including the Daughters of St Paul, parents of the newly professed brothers, worshipping community and well-wishers.

First Regional Assembly

Details: Joseph Kandachamkunnel, SSP; 12/09/2023

The first regional assembly of the region of Nigeria began on 06 April with the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the community chapel at Ibadan presided over by the Archbishop Gabriel Leke. The assembly proper is from 7-9 April 2021 and is held at the community of Ibadan. The total number of participants are 18; 12 Priests, 02 Deacons and 04 Junior Brothers.