By Juliana Uzoka

The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (O.L.A) and the Society of African Missions (S.M.A) marked a historic triple celebration on Friday, June 7, at the O.L.A. Zawan Community in Jos, Plateau State. The event coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Apostles, observed on the eve of Pentecost Sunday.

The celebration highlighted three major milestones: the 200th anniversary of the birth of their founder, French missionary priest Augustine Planque; 170 years since the founding of the S.M.A; and 150 years of the O.L.A congregation’s existence. The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles were the first group of women religious to arrive in Nigeria in 1878.

With over 700 Sisters serving in various parts of the world, the O.L.A. congregation remains committed to their missionary vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, as they continue proclaiming Christ through education, healthcare, orphanages, and empowerment initiatives. Their mission, shared with the S.M.A. Fathers, is rooted in the work of evangelization first entrusted to the Apostles.

The celebration in Zawan brought together members from O.L.A. communities across Kagoro, Jos, and Bauchi, as well as the Friends of Our Lady of Apostles and students of the S.M.A. from Kagoro, who contributed songs and drama performances. A renewal of consecration and the blessing of keys symbolizing the protection of homes and workplaces were part of the liturgy.

During the homily, the presiding S.M.A. priest encouraged the faithful to deepen their commitment to spreading the Gospel and reminded them that Christ’s mission is ongoing and yet to reach its full potential.

Rev. Sr. Lucy Esedebe, Director of the O.L.A. Zawan Hospital and Orphanage and the local community leader, emphasized the need for sustainable community projects that foster growth and development. Members of the community expressed gratitude to the O.L.A. and S.M.A. for their long-standing contributions.

The day concluded with a symbolic blessing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Participants danced to the altar to receive these spiritual gifts, invoking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Apostles, for themselves and the wider world.