News & Events

Fr Damian Ascends; Fr Justin Descends

The Solemnity of the Ascension of Christ into heaven, forty days after his rising from the dead, without

any prior thought of the Provincial and Council, was a memorable one for the Province of Nigeria; a day

set aside by Christ himself as we witnessed the Installation of our new Provincial Director Very Rev. Fr

Justin Eke CM and the Send forth of the former Provincial Director, Very Rev Fr Damian Nwankwo CM,

(now the Visitor of the Congregation of Missions, Province of Nigeria).

Indeed, God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord ascends with trumpet blast. The liturgy of the day

reminds us of the final moment in Jesus' life among men; his ascension into heaven. Jesus came down

from heaven to share in our human life, in all our sufferings and joys. Today he ascends into heaven so

that we can follow him as the Homilist Rev. Fr Cletus Kpalap CM exhorts Rev. Fr Justin Eke CM, to really

live with and among the Daughters of Charity as he takes up the staff of office, while commending Very

Rev. Fr Damian Nwankwo for a faithful 12- year successful work experience with the Daughters.

It was a crescendo of events with the multitude of Sisters that gathered to bid farewell to the past

Director and welcome the incoming Director. Fr Damian, from his working experience, urged Rev.Fr

Justin Eke to sincerely take up the task of directing the sisters gladly and be a true Vincentian among the

Sisters. If Christ did not ascend, the advocate would not come. As Fr Damian ascended that day, Fr Justin

also did not hesitate to descend to the Daughters of Charity, Province of Nigeria. The Sisters came

bearing gifts as they all filed in to show their appreciation to the outgoing Director for his tireless,

devoted and dedicated service. We thank Rev. Fr Damian Nwankwo for his 12 years of active service

with and among us, and we welcome Rev. Fr Justin Eke on board.

May God grant them the grace of office.