By Chioma Polok

The 13th of October 2024 was a momentous day for the Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) in Nigeria, as they celebrated three significant milestones: the Golden and Silver Jubilees of professed sisters, and the perpetual profession of vows of six others. This special occasion also coincided with the reparation day of Our Lady of Fatima reparation day, making it a spiritually significant event at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral in Jos, Nigeria.

The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri, Oliver Doeme, along with dozens of other priests, officiated the Mass, which Sisiters from various congregations attended. The cathedral was filled with attendees seen jubilating and praying for the celebrants.

The ceremony began with the introduction of the Golden Jubilarians: Sr. Sarah Njoku, OLF, Sr. Nkechi Ukah, OLF, and Sr. Stella Ugwu, OLF. This was followed by the introduction of the Silver Jubilarians: Sr. Veronica Nkom, OLF, and the perpetual profession of vows by Sr. Evelyn Gyang, OLF, Sr. Victoria Simon, OLF, Sr. Fatima Nungna’na, OLF, Sr. Eunice Danlami, OLF, Sr. Janet Kopma’an, OLF, and Sr. Dorcas Markus Attah, OLF.

In a symbolic gesture, the six sisters took their vows, responding “Lord, You have called me, here I am.” Bishop Doeme asked them what they requested of God and His Church, to which they responded, “We ask for perseverance in God’s service and the congregation of Our Lady of Fatima all the days of our lives.”

Bishop Doeme provided a brief history of the OLF congregation, which was founded in Shendam, Plateau State, on 13th January 1965, by Bishop John Reddington, SMA, the first Bishop of Jos. He highlighted the sisters’ contributions to the Church, including their mission work, spiritual guidance, and pastoral involvement across 11 dioceses in Nigeria and their international presence in Ghana, the USA, and Egypt.

“They have established communities and institutions that enable them to carry out their mission,” the Bishop said, praising their involvement in offering retreats, catechesis, and empowerment programs for vulnerable individuals, including children, youths, and people living with disabilities.

In his homily, the Bishop urged the sisters to be steadfast in their faith, asking them to call on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary during challenging times. He encouraged the younger sisters to look up to those who had reached the Golden Jubilee and commended the senior sisters for their endurance and commitment.

“To you the Golden Jubilarians, I salute you for your endurance and patience. Fifty years is not fifty days. We thank the Lord for His blessings, and as you approach the evening of your life, you are to become spiritual consultants to the younger generation,” he said. “To the Silver Jubilarians, well done. Twenty-five years is not twenty-five days, and I pray that God leads you to a successful end.”

Addressing the newly professed sisters, he congratulated them, saying, “From today, you have become family members of the Lady of Fatima Congregation. May God, the giver of life, guide you as you embark on this journey and lead you to celebrate your own Golden Jubilee.”

The bishop also reflected on the virtues of wisdom and detachment from material possessions, calling on everyone to learn from the example of the OLF Sisters, who have embraced a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He warned against the vices of greed and selfishness, urging the congregation to be generous and compassionate.

“The rich fool did not seek the kingdom of God but lived in a world he thought he created for himself,” the Bishop remarked. “We should learn from the OLF Sisters the works of charity and bring comfort to the poor, just as they have done in their ministry.”

The ceremony concluded with the profession of vows and the signing of documents by the bishop and the Superior General, Rev. Sr. Theresa Dung, OLF. In her speech, Sr. Dung reminded the newly professed sisters of the importance of living up to their vows and entrusted them to the care of Our Lady of Fatima. The sisters were adorned with blessed rings, symbolizing their betrothal to Christ.