• Msgr. Aniagwu urges Catholics to be faithful to God
Catholics; priests, religious and lay faithful alike, have been called upon to be faithful to the baptismal promises and other commitments which they have entered into with God, who has been faithful in creating, keeping them alive and making them Christians. The charge was given by Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Aniagwu, Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, while delivering the homily at Mass, at the 80th anniversary of Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, EHJ, held recently at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos. Urging the people to remain committed, especially in a country like Nigeria where faithfulness is in short supply, Msgr. Aniagwu tasked them not to make promises that they have no intention to keep. Msgr. Aniagwu said that the 80th anniversary of EHJ Congregation is a landmark celebration of the fidelity of God and human persons who collaborated with God and worked with God’s grace. According to him, “The EHJ Congregation has lasted and survived these 80 years because God has been faithful. God has sustained the congregation. God has used viable instruments to keep the congregation going and caused it to grow from very humble beginnings to what it is now.”
Assuring them that God will continue to be faithful to them; Msgr. Aniagwu commended the sisters for their fidelity in working with God’s guidance, urging them to be committed, faithful to their vocation. He paid tribute to Emeritus Archbishops of Lagos, Leo Hale Taylor, Founder, EHJ Sisters in 1943, JKA Aggey, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie and the incumbent, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, the human instruments that God has used over the years to sustain and direct the affairs of the institute. He further paid tribute to Our Lady of Apostles Sisters, OLA, who he said God used from the beginning of the EHJ congregation, as well as past and present EHJ Superior Generals and Legislative Council, who God has used over the past 80 years in building the institute. Also speaking on the occasion, Anthony Cardinal Okogie encouraged the Sisters to thank God for the past, hold on to the present with faith and look to the future with hope, as he advised them to take stock of areas of improvement and shortcomings. Cardinal Okogie advised them to always make recourse to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus for soccour and strength and not to copy attitudes, behaviours that are inimical to their spiritual life.
He added that they love with genuine affection and take delight in honouring one another. For her part, Sr. Mary Fausta Manafa, Superior General, EHJ acknowledged the faithfulness and steadfast love of God, who has always been there for the congregation, sustaining them and showing His dynamic love from the foundation of the institute. She urged the sisters to continue to step out in faith and love, and follow the Lord’s lead to wherever He chooses, adding that to grow, they need to keep walking closely with God and praying continually in Him. Highlights of the event included presentation of awards to Cardinal Okogie, Archbishop Martins, Msgr, Aniagwu, among others who have impacted on the life of the congregation.