The confreres of the Vice Province of Nigeria came together for the Assembly and Chapter from June 3rd to 7th, 2025. The celebration came after the fraternal visit from April 21st – May 31st, 2025, conducted by Frs. Nicolas Ayouba, CSsR (General Consultor for Africa and Madagascar) and Paul Vinh, CSsR (General Consultor for Asia/Oceania). Fr. Rogerio Gomez, CSsR, the Superior General, presided over the opening Mass celebrated in honour of St. Alphonsus. He extolled the confreres to consecrate themselves in the truth after the Christ the Redeemer, who consecrated himself in truth for his flock. At the end of the Mass, the Vice Provincial Superior, Fr. Michael Emerue, CSsR welcomed the Superior General and all the confreres to the celebration.
The Assembly, which was celebrated on June 4th, featured reflections on the state of the Vice Province as gleaned from the fraternal visit, Redemptorist identity, reinforcing deeper fraternal bonds in the Vice Provincial community and celebrating the growth of the Vice Province over the years. Days II and III were dedicated to the celebration of the Vice Provincial Chapter. Fr. Kevin Zubel, CSsR, the Provincial Superior of the Denver Province, who was the presider on Day II, preached a message of hope in which he encouraged the confreres to dream big and bold after the footsteps of St. Clement Hofbauer in whose honour the Mass was celebrated. The Vice Provincial Superior, Fr. Michael Emerue, CSsR, presided over the Mass on Day III, and it was in honour of St. Gerard Majella. He reflected on the ‘blue blood cell’ of St. Gerard, meaning St Gerard’s immersion in and dependency on the spirit of the rule of the Congregation. Fr. Michael also exhorted all to embrace the interior life which characterized the life of Gerard and be open to community life that strengthens our mission.
The Chapter proceedings were smoothly organized by the preparatory commission headed by Fr. Vincent Ezezue. The Chapter reflected on the renewal of the Vice Provincial Statutes in view of the Reconfiguration as required by the General Government and the policy on Internet presence and social media.
After the hard work of the Assembly and Chapter the confreres were hosted with a colourful gaudeamus. Lady Judith Agu, the chairperson of the Shared Mission who also attended and made valuable contribution to the proceedings, celebrated 27 years of her marriage to her husband, Jacob Aninaefungwu Agu. Fr. Kevin Zubel prayed for her and the Capitulars joined in blessing her.
On this joyful note the Assembly and Chapter of the Vice Province of Nigeria, 2025 was declared closed by the Provincial Superior of Denver, Fr Kevin Zubel, CSsR
We pray for greater years as the Vice Province continues a trajectory of hope and joy of the mission.
Fr. Onyeno, Peter Chijioke, CSsR.
Director of Communication, Vice Province of Nigeria.
