Novicios de los Padres de Schoenstatt en Nigeria. Novices of the Schoenstatt Fathers in Nigeria. Novizen der Schönstattpatres in Nigeria

Foto: P. Roman © 2002

Ermita frente de la casa de los Padres de Schoenstatt en Nigeria Wayside Shrine by the House of the Schoenstatt Fathers in Nigeria. Bildstöckchen beim Haus der Schönstattpatres in Nigeria.

Foto: P. Roman © 2002

NIGERIA. Four days before October 18, Schoenstatt's founding day to be celebrated all over the world, a new group of young Nigerians starting their noviciate mean a special gift for the Mother Thrice Admirable of Schoenstatt and the Schoenstatt family, and news of hope from a country more known by news of terror and violence.

Schoenstatt in Nigeria is growing: The Schoenstatt Fathers count with a large number of vocations in this West African state; the candidates study in the country and have their formation there as well. Schoenstatt Fathers from Germany and Poland are in charge of the growing community. On August 15, in the presence of Father Michael Marmann, superior general of the Schoenstatt Fathers, ten novices made their first commitment with the community.

"Hope that our mission here will be successful"

"I have a good reason to be happy and grateful," said Father Roman from Poland. "The task assigned to me two years ago has been accomplished. On August 15th, ten out of thirteen novices made their first commitment with our community. There were ups and downs in these, but generally I have to say "Thanks" to God and to you for your assistance. We tried to do the best and we did something that gives us hope that our mission can be successful."

The new group of novices that began the novitiate on October 14 is also entrusted to Father Roman.

In order to spread Schoenstatt in their country, many of the Schoenstatt Fathers' native Nigerian candidates, and novices, work in the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign of the Pilgrim Mother thus reaching out to many families in Nigeria who through the Pilgrim MTA are connected with the Shrine and a stream of life and grace that reaches millions of persons in over 90 countries.

In Africa, Schoenstatt is present in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, Angola, Chad, and Mozambique.