Thanksgiving Mass Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Nigeria (1950–2025) and the Professions of Vows: Temporary Profession of Religious Vows by Sr. Martha Maris Chiwendu Mba, OSF and Sr. Martha Marie Chiamaka Ugwu, OSF as well as Perpetual Profession of Religious Vows by Sr. Clare Maris Chidimma Ohagwa, OSF.

The Mass was solemnly presided over by Most Rev. Gabriel “Leke Abegunrin, The Metropolitan See of Ibadan Province and Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese.

Following the Gospel reading, the Sisters preparing for Temporary Profession presented their requests, after which Sr. Clare Maris Chidimma Ohagwa made her Perpetual Profession of Religious Vows.

The Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, delivered the homily. He warmly greeted the assembled clergy, religious sisters, and especially the sisters professing their vows. Fr. Boniface expressed deep gratitude to God for the journey of the Franciscan Sisters—from the original four sisters sent from Glasgow in 1950 for educational purposes, to a thriving community of over 100 sisters serving across multiple Dioceses and Archdioceses.

Reflecting on the historical challenges religious institutions faced in Nigeria, he acknowledged that many could not endure “due to reasons known to God,” making this milestone a testament to divine providence and perseverance. He remembered with appreciation the founders, early missionaries, benefactors, and all who have contributed to the growth and expansion of the institution over the past 75 years.

Fr. Boniface Wuraola charged the sisters to remain faithful to their vocation, upholding the heritage, values, and spiritual riches of the Franciscan tradition, and to continually glorify God in their lives.

After the homily, the sisters making their Temporary Profession signed their vow cards and, accompanied by the Superior General, proceeded to the sanctuary to publicly take their vows. They then underwent the symbolic changing of habit.

Archbishop Abegunrin imparted the final blessing and welcomed the newly professed Sisters into the community through the Provincial Superior. The congregation knelt in prayer, invoking the Litany of the Saints for intercession.

Sr. Clare Maris Chidimma Ohagwa made her Perpetual Profession of Vows, accompanied by two Reverend Sisters, including the Provincial Superior. She signed her vow card, and Archbishop Abegunrin led the congregation in prayer for her before presenting her with the ring symbolizing her full membership in the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

Warm congratulations were exchanged as the sisters embraced the newly professed.

The offertory was especially significant, with the Franciscan Sisters presenting various fruits and plants as symbolic offerings of thanksgiving for 75 years of fruitful ministry. Among these was their emblem—the stigmatized hand of St. Francis, their spiritual father—a lasting symbol of their charism and mission.

Rev. Sr. Victoria Ogunwande, Provincial Superior, expressed heartfelt thanks to all gathered, including families, friends, and benefactors who have supported the Sisters through the years. She extended special appreciation to the Bishops, notably the Bishop Emeritus of Oyo Diocese, Bishop Julius Babatunde Adelakun, as well as the clergy and religious communities from Warri, Lagos, Italy, and especially the priests from Ijebu.

She also acknowledged the Vicar General’s inspiring homily and prayed for the safety and guidance of the Novitiate students preparing to join the congregation.

Highlighting the institution’s history, she shared the following milestones: 104 Professed Sisters; 26 Communities; 50 Apostolates; and 5 Deceased Sisters. Sr. Victoria Ogunwande invited continued prayers for the deceased and encouraged the Sisters to honor the legacy and values of their institution.

Archbishop Abegunrin charged the Sisters to preserve the spirit and mission of the institution, emphasizing their calling to a life of poverty and dedication modeled after St. Francis of Assisi. He reminded the parents of the newly professed sisters to support their daughters’ vocations, noting that religious life is not about material provision—they are “not bread winners, but grace winners.” This call highlighted the spiritual nature of their commitment and encouraged families to offer support in faith and prayer.

He concluded with words of encouragement and congratulations, urging all to sustain the Franciscan charism for generations to come.

The Mass concluded with communal prayers, joyful celebrations, and a renewed commitment to the Franciscan mission in Nigeria.