Tuesday the 13th day of February 2024 witnessed the celebration of the above occasion which began with the Holy Mass. The Mass was presided by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Ukpong, Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese and flanked by the Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Christian Okwuru, SMMM and Fr. Dr. Aloysius Nwabekee and concelebrated by a host of priests.
In his introductory remark, the bishop pointed out that though our Father Founder has died in the flesh, he is still alive in spirit and his legacy still lives on.
The Homilist, Fr. Augustine Eke, SMMM centering his reflection on the theme: Missionary Spirit, emphasized on the missionary spirit of the Father Founder which moved him towards the founding of the Congregations of the Daughters and Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy respectively. While cautioning against the spirit of grabbing, he encourages all as missionaries to hold on to the promise of Christ – behold I am with you to the end of time
The Vicar General, Fr. Francis Opara, SMMM gave the vote of thanks before the dismissal of the Mass which was followed by a group photograph.
The second part of the celebration began with an opening prayer by Fr. Dr. Aloysius Nwabekee while the Vicar General of the DMMM Sr. Chinwe Ekeoma, DMMM rendered the opening remark. The presentation of kolanut was performed by Fr. Paschal Nwoko, SMMM.
In her Welcome Address, the Superior General of DMMM Rev. Mother Mary Trinitas Obianika, DMMM highlighted that Bishop Anthony Gogo Nwedo was a visionary leader, a compassionate soul and a devoted servant of God. Also that his unwavering commitment to the spiritual and material well-being of the Christ faithful of Old Umuahia Diocese has shaped the very essence of our Congregations. She encouraged all to carry forward his vision with unwavering dedication and unwavering faith and by so doing, honor the legacy of our Father Founder and continue to enrich the lives of those around us with the boundless love of Mary, the Mother of Mercy.
The audience were indeed thrilled by the display of different performances such as:
Ballet dance and Hip hop dance from Holy Family Secondary School Mgboko; cultural dance by the SMMM Novices; and a captivating drama by the Holy Family Secondary School Osusu as well as other interesting renditions by our sister Congregation.
With the closing prayer by the Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Christian Okwuru, SMMM the celebration came to an end. Indeed, to the glory of God, it was an atmosphere of good tidings. Thanks too to the MCs of the day in the persons of Fr. Christian Ugwu, SMMM and Sr. Patricia Chikezie, DMMM.
Long Live SMMM
