Br. Óscar Martín visits the Province of Nigeria
From March 16 to April 5, Br. Óscar Martín Vicario, General Councilor, liaison with the Africa Region, visited the Marist Province of Nigeria.
It has been an extensive visit, which has allowed to know in person almost all the communities, schools and works of the Province (14 of the 15 communities have been visited). Above all, it was an opportunity to share about the Marist reality and the life and mission of the Brothers in this country.
The Province of Nigeria is a growing province, with a great development and blessed with vocations, thanks be to God. Therefore, it has both the experience of the older brothers and the energy of the younger brothers. Intense apostolic and vocational work and attention to initial formation are bearing fruit.
It is also a Province with great apostolic vitality, which carries out an extensive mission: 11 secondary schools, 4 primary schools, a university center and various social works (with disabled children, ex-lepers, etc). This shows the vitality and generous dedication to the mission.
New provincial stage
Last January, the Province initiated a new stage in its life. After six years of great service and management of Br. Vincent Abadom as Provincial, Br. Mark Omede took possession as the new Provincial and a new phase has begun.
Since the beginning, H. Mark Omede and his new provincial council have started to discern various areas: mission, community life, higher education, finances, laity … These are some of the themes of the Provincial Chapter that are being discussed.
Likewise, this visit to the Province has also been a call to unity and communion; internal unity of the Province and communion with the Institute. During the visit, the Brothers reflected on what it means to “Look beyond” in today’s Marist Nigeria, a country rich in resources and possibilities, but also immersed in a great economic crisis.
Also, in the meetings with teachers, students and groups of lay Marists, the idea of the global family was reinforced and encouraged to open the vision, to connect to the Marist networks, to grow in this path shared by all Marists.
“In the end,” concludes Br. Oscar, “along with a deep gratitude for this visit, there also remain the challenges that will encourage Marist life and mission in Nigeria to continue to grow.”