It was a golden celebration of Diamond, Golden and Silver Jubilee of 21 Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, on 25th September, 2022 at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.
Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese and the Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical province presided over the celebration.
Following the readings of the Sunday, the Prelate said, “God gave everyone his gifts. Some of these giftedness are time bound, so the need to use all well for the good of everyone. There is time for reckoning.”
Having spent 60, 50 and 25 years as Religious Sisters seem to have come by swiftly for the Sisters. According to all, the years were filled with vast experiences having lived in different places doing different works and experiencing people of varying cultures. The sight of the 2 Sisters that celebrated Diamond Jubilee, the 5 that did their Golden Jubilee and the 14 of the Silver Jubilarians appear to send the message of ‘think twice’ about life, it is passing swiftly day by day to its end.
Interacting with the Silver Jubilarians, most of them expressed joy for reaching this mile with the help of God. It was all thanksgiving and a special grace for them.
Presenting their special Jubilee Symbol, the Jubilarians said, “Today we give to our Religious community, the Church and the entire world the gift of peace.” The symbol is an Olive Tree with burning candles representing the Jubilarians. They ended the explanation of their symbol with a prayer and hymn, “Lord make us instruments of peace.”
Activities followed after Mass at the Basilica field. The celebration was a joyous and a soul searching one for those present.
