With all the pilgrimages and retreats, the Victory Shrine in Ibadan, Nigeria is becoming better, and better known. At the same time, the Schoenstatt Fathers are creative in finding ways to work for a Schoenstatt Movement on the brink of emerging. —
NIGERIA, Schoenstatt Fathers •
Recollections for youth
On 17 March 2018, the South Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan Youths converged around the Victory Shrine for their Lenten Recollections. During the period of this recollection, they had an opportunity to experience our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, and the prayers of the Holy Rosary. There was also an opportunity for confessions, Stations of the Cross, and the Holy Mass. It was a spiritually refreshing moment for all the participants.
Students’ Pilgrimage
On 11 March 2018, the Young Catholic Students of the Ibadan Archdiocese had their annual retreat and pilgrimage at the Victory Shrine in Ibadan. Movement director, Fr. Paul Nwachukwu, and three of the seminarians, Michael Okpala, Aniekwe Charles, and Ekpunobi Paulinus facilitated the retreat. The retreat featured, the Rosary, a workshop, Confession and Eucharistic celebration. Two of the Schoenstatt Fathers’ seminarians, Michael and Charles, gave reflection topics on The Dangers of Bad Friends and Social Media Addiction and on Youth and the Need for Self-Education to Freedom, Firmness, and Nobility. It was a wonderful experience for all.
The “Friends of Schoenstatt”
The Friends of Schoenstatt is a small group of people who strive graciously and tirelessly to see to the growth of the Schoenstatt Fathers’ community in Nigeria.
On the 17th of March this year, the members of the Friends of Schoenstatt had their Lenten recollection and retreat; our spiritual director, Fr. Nichodemus Okenwa, led this event.
Schoenstatt Choir and Altar Servers
In order to encourage participation from the members of the worshiping community in liturgical celebrations, the community has decided to incorporate the lay faithful through music and service on the altar. Therefore we now have the Schoenstatt lay choir and altar servers. These new groups will facilitate being an avenue for participation in the apostolate.
Edited: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
