CELEBRATIONS IN THE AFRICAN PROVINCE

PERPETUAL PROFESSION OF VOWS CEREMONY

of

Sr. Ewoma Ezaga, SHCJ

Sr. Rita Igwenagum, SHCJ

Sr. Elizabeth Mgbaramuko, SHCJ

and the

SILVER JUBILEES

of

Sr. Ngozi Eguh and

Sr. Agnes Solomon

The 2008 Interprovincial Gathering at Holy Child College in Lagos, Nigeria concluded on August 14th. On the very next day, the Feast of the Assumption, the SHCJ in attendance at the meeting joined the African sisters' families and friends for a double celebration at the Church of the Assumption. SHCJ from the African Province, together with 20 SHCJ from the American and European Provinces and the Society Leadership Team from Rome gathered for the perpetual profession of vows ceremony of 3 members of the African Province: Sr. Ewoma Ezaga, SHCJ, Sr. Rita Igwenagum, SHCJ and Sr. Elizabeth Mgbaramuko, SHCJ and for the Silver Jubilee celebration of Sr.Ngozi Eguh, SHCJ and Sr. Agnes Solomon, SHCJ. The principal celebrant at the Eucharistic Liturgy was Most Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Egbebo (MSP), the first bishop of a religious congregation to preside at an SHCJ vow ceremony. After the ceremonies, the congregation of sisters, families and friends joined the SHCJ at Holy Child College for dancing and refreshments. The photos below capture some of the key moments of the glorious, colorful event.

SHCJ from the 3 provinces can be seen behind Jubiliarians. Familes of the SHCJ making perpetual vows are also seated in the front of the beautiful cathedral. A large mosaic of the Assumption of Our Lady (below) arches protectively over the main altar.

The three sisters present themselves before Bishop Egbebo and Sr. Geradline MacCarthy, Society Leader, for perpetual profession.

Sr. Rita Igwenagum makes her profession of perpetual vows before the Bishop and Sr. Geraldine MacCarthy, SHCJ,Society Leader.

Sr. Elizabeth Mgbaramuko, SHCJ makes her perpetual profession.

Sr. Ewoma Ezaga, Sr. Geraldine MacCarthy and Bishop Egbebo sign Ewoma's vows.

Sr. Geraldine and the three making vows before the altar.

Bishop Egbebo blesses the three finally professed SHCJ.

SHCJ from the 3 provinces greet the finally professed sisters and the Silver Jubilarians after the Mass.

Silver Jubilarians Celebrate 25 Years in the Society of the Holy Child Jesus

Sr. Cecilia Nya, African Province leader, at left, and Sr. Agnes Solomon, on right, Silver Jubilarian. Sr. Ngoze Eguh follows.

Sisters Agnes Solomon and Ngozi Eguh with Bishop Egbebo.

Celebrations follow at Holy Child College in South West Ikoyi, Lagos

Sisters Rita, Ewoma and Elizabeth with the international participants at the College.

Beautiful cakes decorated by SHCJ and pre-candidates for the celebration.

.

Young dancers from Agegunle join in the festivities.

Christian Mothers group also entertain the guests.

And all enjoy the dancing that continued for the rest of the afternoon!