N DF

EWSLETTER
Bulleting 0f information of SMA Nigeria District-in-formation
DEC,
2018

"your salvation will be

with you, says the Lord
God Almighty".

May this Chris tmas

bring you tidings of
Comfort and Joy
in the New Year.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Superiors message
Mission & Vocation
REGINALD NWACHUKWU, SMA
News about Vocation & Promotion SUPERIOR

Project / Renovations
Appointment / withdrawal 2018 CHRISTOPHER EMOKHARE, SMA PETER McCAWILLE, SMA
VICE SUPERIOR COUNCILLOR
Celebration SMA/OLA
Photosplash FR. CHARLES ACHENEJE, SMA
SECRETARY

MISSION “The Nigeria District – In – Formation members coming

from different nations and cultures, are united in fraternal love with
the aim of being at the service of the Gospel, and witnessing to the
SUPERIOR'S MESSAGE Father's love for all peoples, especially the most abandoned, by
promoting the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, in the spirit of our
May the Lord bless you and keep you! founder, Bishop Melchior De Marion Brésillac."
May the Lord let his face shine upon you,
and be gracious to you! May the Lord VISION "We envision a Unit where our primary concern is the
look upon you kindly and give you peace! promotion of the values of simplicity, hospitality, charity, honesty,
May these blessings be yours as we begin mutual support and respect in members, and among the people with
2019. Looking back to where we are whom we work. A unit where leaders and members collaborate and
coming from as NDF members, we have are united in genuine dialogue for the advancement of the mission of
many reasons to thank God for all the God entrusted to the Church. A unit dedicated to primary
blessings and favour received during the evangelization as well as enhancing the experience of newness of the
past few years. The NDF family has grown Gospel in areas the Church is already established; working to promote
in number and in commitment to the the culture of Mercy and Love. A unit which invests in its members
Mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ through specialized training in areas of interest, one where every
through the Church. I look into the future member is valued and empowered to give their best for the mission."
with great hope and expectation of many
more positive developments in the NDF.
CELEBRATING BROTHERS (CELEBRATING GRACE)
with grateful heart and gratitude to God Almighty we rejoices with our
2019 is a very important year for the SMA:
bothers as the celebrate their Priestly Anniversaries and Birthday
General Assembly and Assemblies of
Anniversaries. We cannot appreciate them enough for the many lives
different units, Elections of new leaders,
the have touched and are still nurturing. For their total submission to
possible creation of new units and
God’s will, we commend them all the maternal protection of Our Lady
embracing new areas of mission etc. We
of Perpetual Help. This year the NDF witnesses and celebrates with
pray for greater understanding and
great joy the anniversaries of our brothers.
success in our mission commitment. Rev. Fr. Noel Musa, SMA 25thPriestly Anniversary..
Finally, I wish you all a Merry Christmas Rev. Fr. Julius Temuyi, SMA 20thPriestly Anniversary
and a happy and prosperous new year. Rev. Fr. Mario Abi, SMA 20thPriestly Anniversary
May this festive season bring us joy and Rev. Fr. Martin Nwosu. SMA 20thPriestly Anniversary
peace Rev. Fr. Joseph Nomhwange, SMA 10thPriestly Anniversary
Rev. Fr. Benedict SehuboTinka, SMA 10thPriestly Anniversary
Rev. Fr. Anthony Fevlo, SMA 20th Priestly Anniversary
Rev. Fr. Peter Mccawille 70th Birthday Anniversary
Very Rev. Fr. Fintan Daly, SMA 80th Birthday Anniversary

Rev. Fr. Noel Musa

REGINALD NWACHUKWU, SMA
25th Priestly Anniversary
SUPERIOR

NIGERIA DISTRICT-IN-FORMATION / DECEMBER, 2018 2

 MISSION & VOCATIONS
THE WORK WILL CONTINUE IF THERE IS THE WILL
AND YOU ARE THAT WILL
The test of a parish? It's not building, committees, or
money, but whether the flock are in permanent state
of mission.' Cardinal Francis Arinze
Mission in Central African Republic (RCA)
It was a thing of joy leaving Nigeria to begin my
missionary work in Central African Republic. I didn't
believe I was going to bring God to them, but my
intention was to help them discover in a gentle and
loving way the God already in their midst. On arrival I was
faced with a new language, a different culture and a
philosophy of thought that was of course challenging
and sometimes frustrating when I could not fully
understand and communicate with the people as I had
hoped. The uncertainty of tomorrow as a result of the
unending crisis was something else to cope with. Yet
these challenges can become stepping stones and
growth points in the process of mental and physical
wellbeing.
Working in Beguoa in the diocese of Bangui and among
the Pygmies in Belemboke in the diocese of Berberati
was a very beneficial missionary experience that I can
never forget, notwithstanding the difficulties involved.
(Cut off from the realities of life,) Making our home with
the pygmies, sharing in their moments of joy and
suffering while working hand in hand with them for the
growth of the mission was a memorable and unique
experience for me. Being able to make them feel secure
in their own land and helping them come to an
understanding that they are human beings like any other
human beings with equal rights and privileges was both
challenging and fulfilling.
MISSION IN DOGONDOUTCHI- NIGER REPUBLIC
T he name 'Dogondoutchi' as pronounced by the
Hausa speaking people of Niger simply means 'a
high mountain'. It is on this mountain that the Parish, St.
Gerald Catholic Church, is situated. It is a Hausa- Muslim
populated area but thanks to the wonderful work of the
early Redemptorist missionaries, The Missionaries of
Africa (popularly known as the White Fathers), middle
diocesans fathers and lately the SMA missionaries who
have taken it upon themselves to carry out the mission of
Christ, as outlined in the gospel of Mtt 28: 17- 20, to
bring forth the faith of the Kingdom of the God to these
people.
3 NIGERIA DISTRICT-IN-FORMATION / DECEMBER, 2018
The privilege of falling in love with the mission and
becoming one with them was the most productive way
to overcome these obstacles and difficulties. It was only
when I began to love these simple people, my brothers
and sisters, the Pygmies of the rain forest region, that I
discovered that I could learn a lot from them. I learnt
many invaluable lessons in detachment and a greater
appreciation of their life of simplicity. I learnt the
importance of developing a readiness to move at any
opportunity, plus the value of perseverance in the midst
of hardship, their total reliance on Divine Providence
that has never failed them. Perhaps, the most valuable
lesson I learnt is what it means to be content with the
little I have. Each day, in spite of tiredness, the difficulties
of teaching something again and again, I went to bed in
peace and with a lot of joy looking forward to the next
day.
Our work among the pygmies included catechism,
education, health care, an understanding of Human
Rights, skills acquisition (carpentering, mechanics,
tailoring, building, carving and farming).
I am very conscious that I have gained much experience
of primary evangelization as I take up a new
appointment back in Nigeria as the Vocations Director
and Youth Animation. I sincerely hope that these
experiences
will provide me
w i t h a ve r y
useful starting
point as I take
up this new
Mission.
It is a mission ad gentes area (primary evangelisation).
Most of the works we do as missionaries includes:
Breaking the word: as missionaries our primary focus is
to propagate the faith of the kingdom of God to the
people. Doutchi being a rural and a Muslim populated
area, our faith has to be visible (seen) in the sense that
we are not just to preach by words but by actions. Hence,
our propagation of the gospel does not just stop at the
pulpit but
goes beyond that. In this sense, we visit them in their
homes, gardens (farms), shops, etc. This act of visit is to
be register our presence in their midst.
continue on page 6
 NEWS ABOUT
VOCATION AND PROMOTION:

T he work of Vocations Director is quite a strenuous one. A

combination of prayer, discernment and the accompaniment
of aspirants resulted in less than 10% of applicants being
chosen to begin the Preparatory Program in Kagoro this year. We
received about 235 letters of application and after a concentrated
process of prayer and self-examination eleven (11) were eventually
chosen to begin the one-year Preparatory Programme of
discernment in Kagoro. The NDF extends her profound thanks to Rev.
Frs. Ernest EgbedikeMbam, Samson Ebute and Emmanuel Imoniunu,
Fr. Ernest's successor, for their tireless effort in completing the
process of initial discernment and selection.

The criteria for admission have changed a little: aspirants are now
expected to have School Certificate (WAEC) with at least five credits
including English, Mathematics and Christian Religious studies
(inclusive) in a single sitting and six credits, including English
Language, mathematics and Christian Religious studies, in two
sittings.

SMA BODIJA…ARISE AND SHINE

The house in Bodija this year gives an idea of how bountiful vocation is becoming. In the history of the
Formation House we have an impressive number of 54 students studying for the missionary priesthood.

FORTHCOMING ORDINATIONS:
The Nigeria District-in-Formation is blessed
with five Deacons this year: Revs Sunday,
Jerome, Yakubu, Abel and Jeremiah. We
wish them well as they prepare for their
ordination next July, 2019.

PRIESTLY ORDINATIONS
Emmanuel Ugwu 14th July 2018
Emmanuel Ambi 30 June 2018

MORE RESPONSIBILIIES
With joyful hearts we celebrate with our
brothers Rev. Frs. Bk, Anthony Ayodele
Ayeku and Anthony Agbovi who were raised
to the position of Parish Priests in Angola,
Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire respectively.
Always have it at the back of your mind that
the NDF is with you all the way. We promise
you our constant prayers and support.

NIGERIA DISTRICT-IN-FORMATION / DECEMBER, 2018 4

 PROJECT & RENOVATIONS
Building Projects: most of our lands cannot be
developed without enough financial resources and
some of the lands are in places where development
cannot begin at the moment. Thus, there is great need
of more resources to develop these lands.
Uromi: One of the major renovations took place at the
SMA House, St. Philomena House, in Uromi, Edo State.
The house was built in 1957, at a time when there was
a Mid-West Region, and served for many years as a
Tyrocinium where newly-ordained missionaries
appointed to the Mid-West Region spent six months
learning the local language. It is about 140 kilometres UROMI
away from Benin City, the Edo State capital. We want
to say a big 'thank you' to Fr. Ernest who began the
refurbishment work on the house over a year ago. At
present, the House is open with arms outstretched to
welcome confrères and SMA friends. It is managed by
Frs. Robert Obro and Emmanuel Imoinunu.

Kaduna: This school project began in August 2018. It

is supervised by Rev. Fr. Mattew Bassah, SMA. It is
situated at Gbagi Villa, about 3 kilometers away from
the center of Kaduna main town and a kilometer away
from the nearest SMA Parish St. Peter Sabon Tasha. is
on-going and will need more resources to complete KADUNA PROJECT
the project
Ibadan: An ongoing Flats project for rents. It is located
at Bodija, Ibadan. Just finished with the foundation
and German floor.

Ofada land (lagos) – working on official papers for the

property –

Apa (badagry) – started work for the official land

papers for the property. ILORIN RENOVATION
Kagoro– plans in place for the renovation of the
formation house for a conducive place for our future
candidates.

Kagoro – Spiritual centre for pilgrims on the land

donated by Justice Akass. We are making concrete
plans for this to be realized.
Ilorin (Holy Family SMA Parish): This renovation
began in September 2018, it is located on Catholic
Mission Road, (off Gospel Road), Gaa-Akanbi, Illorin,
Kwara State. It was supervised by Engr Emmanuel Of
So Tech Construction Company IBADAN PROJECT

5 NIGERIA DISTRICT-IN-FORMATION / DECEMBER, 2018

 APPOINTMENTS/MISSION
Tongshinen Damian has worked since ordination in
Benin Republic, and at present is undertaking studies at
the Institute of Formators in Du, Jos.
Alex Ouattara from Ivory Coast is working at St. Patrick's
SMA parish, Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State.
Emmanuel Imoniunu who spent two years on mission in
RCA has been appointed to take over vocation and youth
animation and will reside at the SMA House, Uromi, Edo
State.
Anthony Fevlo has been appointed to take charge as
Parish Priest in St. Joseph's parish, K-Vom in Jos
Archdiocese.
Edouard Musiba from Congo has taken over as Parish
Priest at St. Joseph's parish, Kagoro.
Fidelis Shola Atolagbe worked in South Africa and is now
in charge at St. Patrick's SMA parish, Cable Point, Asaba.
Robert Obro has taken over at the SMA House, Uromi, as
Superior of the house and a member of the commission
of SMA/OLA response to human trafficking.
Romanus Onyekuru has taken up a sabbatical
programme at ICOF, Arusha, Tanzania.
Ernest Egbedike appointed to the US to work with
the American province.
Emmanuel Zinsu formerly NDF Sec, Bursar and SMA
MISSION IN DOGONDOUTCHI- NIGER REPUBLIC
Religious Education: involves teaching catechesis, bible
study, know your faith programme through workshops,
recollections, etc. We also have the small Christian
community (takes place twice a month) where we meet
to discuss and the share word of God, our problems and
difficulties and other church doctrines and its
challenges.
Education: involves literacy advocacy programme
known as 'alphabetisation'. It is important to note that
most of them are analphabetes
(illiterates) and so this programme enables them to
recognise the alphabetical letters, to read and also write.
Human Promotion: in order to form the human person in
an integral way, our way of bringing forth the kingdom of
God to the people is also carried out through vocational
skills where young women and ladies are taught how to
sew; the youths taught oh how to play musical
instruments, installations of air conditions, electrical
works… etc. This is done through organising workshops
and seminars for the youths.
Awareness is also created on how to be self-sufficient
and independent.
In conclusion, it is important to that the Parish is
composed five outstations in which the closest is about
8kilometres and the furthest is about 127 kilometres.
NIGERIA DISTRICT-IN-FORMATION / DECEMBER, 2018
Media has been appointed in an NDF project in Canada.
Emmanuel Ugwu has been appointed to Zambia on his
first missionary appointment.
Emmanuel Ambi, recently ordained has been appointed
to Pisa in Kontagora Vicariate.
Johnson Ugwu has been working in Benin Republic and is
now undertaking studies on Finance management in
France.
John Ojonojima Akagwu has been working in Zambia
since ordination and has been appointed to undertake
studies in Rome.
Emmanuel Dim working in South Africa has been
appointed for studies in Rome.
Cajetan worked in Asaba has been appointed to Cote
d'Ivoire for a time of Reinsertion
WITHDRAWALS FROM NIGERIA DURING 2018
Parfait H from RCA worked in Jos
Nkulu Marc from Congo worked in Apapa, Lagos.
Chege Joseph from Kenya worked in K-Vom, Jos
Mathias Chugu from Zambia worked Kotagora Vicarate
Peter Makasa from Zambia workrd in Sabon Tasha,
Kaduna
Premraju from India worked in Kagoro Kaduna
continue from page 3
Most of the outstatio ns are only filled with children with
three to five adults only. We try as much as we can, even
with the bad road, to reach to them often.
three to five adults only. We try as much as we can, even
with the bad road, to reach to them often.
We are also engaged in prison apostolate which is just a
stone throw from the parish. It is a mission of presence
as whenever we go visiting the inmates we can't talk of
Christ but just to listen to their pleas and if possible
provide their needs. They have a garden which is helped
by us in a material way.
No mission is without difficulty (es) as it is often said. We
have our difficulties such as the weather condition which
is too harsh, the poverty level of the place (hence lack of
finance to carry out certain projects), the difficulty to be
engaged in dialoguing with the Muslim faithful, the
increasing number
of street children
and most involved in
drug abuse and
other social vices,
the illiteracy level
especially in the
outstations not to
mention the roads,
etc.
6
 CELEBRATIONS / STATISTICS
APOSTOLIC COMMUNITY MEETINGS WITH ROSARIO STATISTIC OF THE NDF

Priest 53
Deacons 5
Temporary Members 15
Philosophy Students 38
Calavi Students 5
Kagoro 11

CELEBRATIONS
Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed
The commemoration of ALL SOULS is the celebration of God's mercies and Love. It presents us with the image of God
who wishes to save us at all costs even after death. The celebration reminds us of all those who have gone before us
marked with the sign of faith. It is a clarion call for us still living to be an advent people aiming for heaven. Prayers
were organised in different places and times in honour of these souls, especially our SMA Fathers, OLA Sisters,
Family members and friends atOke Are, Kagoro, Obalende (OLA) to mention but a few.

NOTABLE CELEBRATION
Regional Meeting in January, 25th June Founder's Day Celebration, October 1st SMA
Dinner and Book Launch in Lagos, September -NDF meeting (Bodija), SMA/OLA response
to Human Trafficking, 10th Anniversary and book lunch of Rev. Fr. Benedict Sehubo Tinka,
SMA. And Apostolic Communities meeting with Rev. Fr. Rosario.

FEAST OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DECEMBER 8TH, 2018

th
On December 8 every year we recall with great joy the day of our SMA Foundation. On this day 162 years ago the
Founder of the Society of African Missions, Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac dedicated the new enterprise to
Our Lady at the Shrine in Lyon, France, founding a missionary society that was destined to work among the most
abandoned in Africa and those of African origin.

SMA Youths Camp (north and South)

BURIALS
Rev. Fr. Sylvester Nwannedimma Ogbogu (01/09/1972 -
28/03/2018). We thank God for their generous missionary service and
the countless souls that they have touched. They will forever be
remembered and honoured because we will hold them always in our
hearts and prayers.

Death at whatever stage in life is always a painful

experience. This year the NDF experienced much pain in
the news of the passing on to glory of our vibrant
brothers, Rev. Fr. Pius Omokhagbo Afiabor (21/08/1972
- 12/10/2017)

The members of the NDF also express their deepest sympathy to the families of Frs. Reginald Nwachukwu, Basil
Soyoye and Romanus Onyekuru who lost their Father or Mothers during the past year.

NIGERIA DISTRICT-IN-FORMATION / DECEMBER, 2018 7

 PHOTO SPLASH

Priestly Ordination of SMA Youths Camp (Northern Region) SMA Youths with Fr. Christopher
Frs. Emmanuel Ugwu & Emmanuel Ambi Theme: Youths Participation in Promoting peace and Stability in Nigeria During the priestly Ordination
with Fr. Samson Ebute as the Director of Fr. Ugwu Emmanuel at Ibadan

Bk in Angola Diaconate Ordination

Of Rev Sunday. At the formation House
Investiture as Parish Priest.
Bodija, Ibadan.

Very Rev. Fr. Fintan Daly SMA,

80th Birthday Anniversary
Celebrated with Style.
Rev. Fr. Peter Mccawille Rev. Fr. Noel Musa. Full of Joy as he celebration his
Fr. Daly (left) Fr. Charles (Right)
70th Birthday Anniversary 25th priestly Anniversary in Benin Republic
Fr. Samson Ebute (Left), Fr Noel Musa(right)

Preparatory house, Kagoro: Benin City Midwest Apostolic Community

Young Men decerning their vocation. Ola Profession at Lagos. with Fr. Rosario

Pastoral Visit to Canada SMA Youths Camp (South) Novermber 2, All Souls Day at Obalende Cementry
Fr. Patrick Okeyi (Left) Fr. Reginald (right) Theme: Substance Abuse and it challenges in the development Visit and Prayers for all our
of Youth, with Fr. Emmanuel Imoniunu as the Director. Ola's Sisters and SMA's Fathers and
for all the faithful departed resting in peace