It was all joy on October 30, 2016, for the Parishioners of Annunciation Catholic Church, Irrua, when they received proudly one of their worthy daughters, Rev. Sr Francisca Iyorha, who recently was fully admitted in the Order of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostle (OLA) after her perpetual vows recently in Ibadan.
The Mass of thanksgiving and reception began at 9:00AM and was presided over by Bishop Donatus Ogun. On ground to host was Rev. Fr SimonPeter Osinde – Parish Priest of A.C.C. Alls present were priests and religious from within and outside Uromi Diocese, especially Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, who were available in their numbers to give support to one of their own.
In his homily, Bishop Donatus Ogun admonished Sr Iyorha to be faithful to God and be steadfast in adhering to the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience that she had undertaking in her final profession, and a promise she has made to God. The Chief Shepherd appreciated Sr Iyorha for her courage to undertake the Consecrated Life and urged her to live humbly and serve humanity in this sacred calling as a shining example after Jesus Christ, who though was God, did not boast of his status, but emptied himself to serve us as slave to the extent of sacrificing his life (cf. Philippians 2:6-11).
A high-point of the event was the thanksgiving procession to the sanctuary by Sr Iyorha, accompanied by family members, friends and well-wishers, and the cutting of the reception cake by Sr Iyorha alongside members of the A.C.C. parish.
On an appreciation note, Rev. Fr Osinde acknowledged the presence and efforts of Bishop Ogun in honouring the invitation to the ceremony and for celebrating the Mass for the people and the Bishop of Ondo Diocese, ably represented by one of his priests. He also thanked the Rector of the Seminary of All Saints – Very Rev. Fr Paul Oredipe and all the Priests, Consecrated Persons, and entire parishioners of A.C.C. Irrua for their hospitality. Fr Osinde particularly appreciated Sr Iyorha for remembering home, that she came to celebrate with her people back home. The same appreciation went to her parents.
At the close of the Mass was a grand reception at the Church premises in honour of Sr Iyorha, chaired by Prof. F. A. Ehikhamenor. There was presentation of gifts to Sr Iyorha and lots of other entertainment.
The event later concluded with a prayer of blessing by Very Rev. Fr Dr Patrick Ebhote, who later joined in the ceremony.
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