Sr. Barbara with celebrants

Sisters Jennifer Ezena and Ndifreke Asuquo made their solemn life commitment at Mater Dei church in Gwagwalada, Nigeria, on August 30, 2015.  Bishop Job and John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, celebrated with us.  Children in dance wearing full African dress led the entrance and Gospel processions and also performed at the reception. The festivity was so moving that Sr. Ndifreke’s father was moved to get up and dance at the Eucharist.

Sr. Jennifer making her final vows

Sr. Ndifreke showing her ring

The reception was held on the church’s tennis court decorated by the parish youth with gold cloth and balloons. The Home Visitors of Mary Associates prepared and served the food for the several hundred celebration guests.

Children dance at reception

Sr. Jennifer with her parents

Sr. Ndifreke with her father and brother

Sr. Jennifer’s family – parents siblings and relations

Sr. Ndifreke’s family – parents siblings and relatives

It was a bright beautiful day after a month of rain and the road was dry enough to be fully passible.  The nearby Pastoral Center, which is also the HVM home, is now sufficiently finished to be able to house family and visitors from other parts of the country.