Milestones unveiled as Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception celebrate 75 years in Nigeria
It was a bumper unveiling of milestones as the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Nigeria, religious group in the Catholic Church, held their thanksgiving Mass, in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of their stay in Nigeria.
The religious did not only mark the 75th anniversary (1950–2025), it also celebrated the temporary profession of religious wows of Sr. Martha Maris Chiwendu Mba, OSF, Sr. Martha Marie Chiamaka Ugwu, OSF and perpetual profession of religious vows of Sr. Clare Maris Chidimma Ohagwa, OSF.
The Mass was solemnly presided over by Most Rev. Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, Metropolitan See of Ibadan Province and Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese.
Following the Gospel reading, the sisters preparing for Temporary Profession presented their requests, after which Sr. Clare Maris Chidimma Ohagwa made her Perpetual Profession of Religious Vows.
The Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, delivered the homily.
He warmly greeted the assembled clergy, religious sisters, and especially the sisters professing their vows. Fr. Boniface expressed deep gratitude to God for the journey of the Franciscan Sisters—from the original four sisters sent from Glasgow in 1950 for educational purposes, to a thriving community of over 100 sisters serving across multiple dioceses and Archdioceses.
Reflecting on the historical challenges religious institutions faced in Nigeria, he acknowledged that many could not endure “due to reasons known to God,” making this milestone a testament to divine providence and perseverance. He remembered with appreciation the founders, early missionaries, benefactors, and all who have contributed to the growth and expansion of the institution over the past 75 years.
Fr. Boniface Wuraola charged the sisters to remain faithful to their vocation, upholding the heritage, values, and spiritual riches of the Franciscan tradition, and to continually glorify God in their lives.
After the homily, the sisters making their Temporary Profession signed their vow cards and, accompanied by the Superior General, proceeded to the sanctuary to publicly take their vows. They then underwent the symbolic changing of habit.
Archbishop Abegunrin imparted the final blessing and welcomed the newly professed sisters into the community through the Provincial Superior.
The congregation knelt in prayer, invoking the Litany of the Saints for intercession.