A precious seed to be sown into the soil close to the Shrine

A young Nigerian Schoenstatt Member called homeward to the Father

Para el crecimiento del Movimiento For the growth of the Movement Für das Wachsen der Bewegung
Nigeria para Schoenstatt Nigeria for Schoenstatt Nigeria für Schönstatt Fotos: Kistler © 2007

NIGERIA, Fr. Alfred Kistler. Vitalis Ify Onyenedum (1.11.1978 – 23.4.2007) followed the call home to the house of the Father so early and surprisingly in great and serene abandonment to the loving plans of Divine Providence and trusting the perfect care of his heavenly "Mum", the Mother Thrice Admirable of Schoenstatt.

Vitalis lived seven years with the Community of the Schoenstatt Fathers, did his Philosophy, one year of practicum and two years of Noviciate. Unfortunately he couldn’t continue with the Community for health reasons. But his spirit remained the same: Consecrated to Mary and faithful to the covenant of love with her, deep and practical faith in God’s loving Providence that continues to make his life meaningful and unique, striving for every day sanctity either alone or in community. "Aut optimum aut nihil" (either the best or nothing) was his motto.

To build from the Shrine the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt

He tried to give "all for all" to the Mother Thrice Admirable of Schoenstatt for her Shrine and her plans to build up from her place of grace the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt. He was ready to fulfil her request "show me that you really love me" so that the plans of God with this place of pilgrimage could become a reality.

The Schoenstatt Fathers are grateful to Vitalis for his consecrated life to Mary and his example. We believe that God formed him into a precious seed to be sown into the soil close to the Shrine. They are thanking God for the gift of Vitalis and his family for their consent to have him buried at this place, the symbol of the mission he lived for. His presence will remind all of "Nothing without you (Mary) – nothing without us". May his love of Mary and his trust in her continue to inspire us.

The funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 4, 10.00 am, St Rita’s Parish, Ibadan, followed by the transfer to Ijokodo and burial by the Shrine.

Holy Mass in his home town Umuzike, Orlu, will be celebrated Monday May 7, at St. Patrick’s.

May this seed bring abundant fruit for Schoenstatt in Nigeria and all of Africa.