9 January 2026
Christmas Celebration at SHCJ Candidacy, Cape Coast
Our Christmas carol themed “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” held on Friday, 19th December, 2025 at SHCJ Candidacy Formation House Mpeasem, Cape Coast, Ghana, was indeed a remarkable celebration of the true meaning of Christmas. The event featured five lessons, each highlighting a different virtue: Hope, Love, Charity, Peace, and Joy.
It commenced with an opening prayer, setting a reflective tone, followed with a welcoming speech, then a sequence of lessons (scriptural readings) and renditions (carols).
The Carols night celebration was graced by our sisters in the community some of whom took part in the proclamation of the ‘word’, our Lecturers, one of our parish priests, our cook and many others.
The audience were deeply engaged throughout the event. The blend of singing, storytelling, and prayer created an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. Attendees actively participated by singing along and reflecting on the lessons, which generated a sense of unity and shared purpose.
The event successfully conveyed the message of Christmas, emphasizing the essential virtues. The performances were heartfelt, demonstrating the candidates’ dedication and spiritual growth. All those who joined us left inspired, with many expressing appreciation for the meaningful and uplifting experience.
After the celebration, a dedicated photo session was held; the candidates, our formators, other professed sisters in the community, our lecturers, and invitees, gathered for group photos to capture the moment.
In conclusion, our Christmas Carols of Five Lessons was a heartfelt celebration that successfully brought together the community, lecturers, other sisters, and invitees in a spirit of joy, reflection, and fellowship. The participation of everyone, the support of our cook, formators and other sisters, and the captured memories through photography, all contributed to making the celebration a meaningful and memorable occasion.
We look forward to more such events that deepen our spiritual and communal bonds.
From The Candidates.
Christmas Celebration at Holy Child College, Abuja
By Sr. Genevieve Ibedu, SHCJ – Principal
Holy Child College, FCT Abuja joyfully celebrated Christmas with the theme: “He Comes with Peace”. The event featured soul-lifting carols, ballet, orchestra presentations, language translations and a special presentation by SHCJs as well as parents. The celebration was well attended and beautifully showcased the spirit of peace and joy in our troubled world as we shared love and prayed for peace and Children who suffer in pain. The Grande event was also covered by members of the press and the Catholic Television Network of Nigeria, adding to the joy and significance of the occasion.
We wish the SHCJ family an amazing yuletide and a peaceful New Year!
Complexe Scolaire Cornelia Connelly Chad brings Community together for Christmas Celebration
By Sr. Uche Diyoke, SHCJ – Head Teacher
At eight o’clock in the morning, the school courtyard came alive with the sound of children’s laughter and the rustle of festive attire. Parents, dressed in their Sunday best, escorted their little ones to the entrance, and a palpable joy settled over the gathering.
The ceremony opened with a prayer, followed by a warm welcome from the headmistress. In the spirit of the season, she invited the whole school to join in a spontaneous carol, a reminder that “the true spirit of Christmas is not found in the grandeur of the occasion but in the humble hearts that gather in love” (Cornelia Connelly, Letters to the Sisters, 1865).
South West zone, celebrates 2026 Epiphany at Ajegunle
The Sisters of the South West Zone of the African Province, comprising the Abeokuta, Bogije, Obalende, Keffi Street, Lekki, and Ajegunle communities, gathered at the SHCJ Ajegunle community for this year’s zonal celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The gathering was enriched by the presence of the Province Leader, Sr. Helen Ebede; South West Zonal leader, Sr. Juliana Omudu; Ghana zonal leader -Sr. Joana Duker, past Society Leader Sr. Veronica Openibo; Sr. Justina Chikezie, as well as two Associate Members. The celebration began with a joyful Eucharistic celebration at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ajegunle, with the host community animating the readings and the Sisters forming a vibrant choir that led the congregation in inspiring hymns.
After the proclamation of the Word, the Sisters and Associates took turns to renew their vows and commitments as perpetually professed Sisters, temporarily professed Sisters, and Associates alike; marking a profound moment of grace and recommitment within the Holy Child family. In his homily, the presider, Fr. Patrick Adigwe, the Associate Parish Priest reminded us that while Christmas is celebrated worldwide, the Christ Child holds a special place at the heart of Holy Child spirituality. He emphasized that all members of the Holy Child family are called to reveal Jesus to the world, becoming living signposts that point others to Him through the witness of our lives, character, and service.
He further challenged the Sisters to emulate Jesus as a model of selfless service, noting that vocation loses its meaning without a genuine commitment to serving others. The celebration concluded with a joyful festive meal shared by all in attendance, and we departed renewed in spirit and recommitted to manifesting Christ in our daily lives.
