Provincial Chapter of Nigeria

The Marist Brothers of the Province of Nigeria had 11th provincial chapter from 9th January to 13th January, 2024 with the theme: Marists at the Service of Children and young people – then , the slogan: Looking Beyond. The Logo, inspired by the General Conference of 2022, took its shape from the awareness of Province’ need for a sense of “Looking Beyond ” and the desire to remain faithful to Marist roots.

During the chapter, the new provincial of Nigeria, Br. Mark Omede Okolo, was installed, with the presence of the Superior General, Br. Ernesto Sánchez, and the two General Councilors, links with the Region of Africa, Brothers Óscar Martín and Ken McDonald. Two symbols were employed for the installation, apron and towel, a power sign reminding Provincial that the mantle handed over to him is a call to serve. Br. Mark replaces Br. Vincent Adadom, who has led the Province for the last six years.

After the installation, Br. Mark admonished the participants to be Brothers (the essence of the brotherhood), and always ready to move out of the comfort zones to reach out to others.

To help the Provincial as Servant and Prophetic leaders, were elected provincial councilors Brothers Henry Uzor, Paul Angulu, Gregory Ekene Osuji, Nnodu Onwutalu, and Okechukwu Anochie. The provincial superior chose Br. Okechukwu Anochie as the deputy provincial.

42 delegates took part in the Chapter. Br. Francis Jumbe, form the province of Southern Africa was the Facilitator. Together with the representation of the General Government, there were also 9 observers: 3 Marist Brothers, 1 Spiritan priest, 2 Sisters (Marist Daughters of Jesus the Good Shepherd and Immaculate Heart of Mary’ sisters), and 3 lay Marists.

Message of the 11th Provincial Chapter of the Marist Province of Nigeria

9th – 13th January, 2024

Love one another as Jesus Christ has loved you. Be of one heart and one mind. Have the world say of the Little Brothers of Mary, what they said of the first Christians: ‘See how they love one another!’ (Spiritual Testament of the Founder)

We are brothers of Jesus Christ, brothers to one another and brothers to everyone, especially the poorest and those most in need; brothers for a greater brotherhood in the church and world. (Cons. 2)

Dear Marists of Champagnat,

In an atmosphere of prayer, joyful hope and love, the 11th Provincial Chapter, was celebrated at the Marist Formation Centre, Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria, under the theme “Looking Beyond: Marists at the Service of Children and young People”. The 42 Capitulants, including 9 Observers allowed themselves to be touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit, challenging our Province to look beyond our personal mentalities and egos and live in solidarity with our brothers, children and young people particularly, in solidarity with the most disadvantaged children and young people of our society.

Initially, Brothers had prayed for the success of the Chapter. Admittedly, Brothers followed keenly the proceedings of the Chapter as it unfolded under the counsel of the Divine Providence in the interest of and love for the Province.

Attentive to our Vow of Poverty

We are called to inculcate a love for poverty. We must value the vow of poverty to which we voluntarily committed ourselves as Brothers. Let us, therefore, be contented with the things that are needed for our way of life, shunning those unnecessary luxuries by which religious life is devitalised. We are enjoined and invited to always be willing to relinquish something for the common good and the service of young people we minister to.

Brotherhood (Let us be Brothers!)

Let everyone carryout a serious examination of his consecrated life, and recognise those areas where conversion and renewal are needed. This process requires having an intimate relationship with Christ, who touches and heals our personal and community wounds and strengthens our spiritual life, hence, making us available for the mission of serving children and young people. We are invited to prioritize being supportive Brother to one another; extending this fraternal spirit to all members of Marists of Champagnat.

“Unity with Diversity” a Great Strength for the Province

We may have different languages, different tribal backgrounds, but we all belong to one global family: Marists of Champagnat. We are, therefore, called to always celebrate our diversity and see it as a collective strength that can benefit all.

We have enormous capacity to awaken hope in our world, contributing to formation of young people who are just true global citizens, capable of generating dialogue and reconciliation among peoples and with cultures. Therefore, let us not allow ourselves to be tainted by polarisation and fear of our differences, ethnic fundamentalism, tribalism, cliques and any form of sectarianism. We are invited to be proactive participants in building a world where intercultural dialogue is tolerated and accommodated. We are to find God in people and cultures, while bringing the Gospel message of compassionate love to our students and people we encounter in our places of apostolate.

Embracing Solidarity as Marists

We extend the practice of solidarity to every facets of our lives as Marists:

• Solidarity with the General Administration in sharing of human resources.
• Solidarity with our communities by encouraging co-responsibility for common tasks and services and by taking on concrete commitment in favour of the most abandoned children.
• Solidarity at personal level as each of us examines whether our lifestyles is in consonance with our state of life, and by carrying out concrete actions which shows preference to those who are poor (Cons. 32.1).

New Leadership for Mission (John 13:1-17)

In order to more effectively respond with a renewed zeal to serve children and young people, we have graciously assumed a leadership style that is prophetic and servant in nature, which accompanies Marist life and Mission for the next three years. The Province needs leaders in the style of Jesus Christ, communities and persons: who exercise leadership in mission, have a vision of the future like our Founder, are authentic and persons of integrity, who are capable of teamwork and above all, obedient to the mission.

Conclusion

We share this message in the spirit and vision of our dear founder, St. Marcellin Champagnat. As Marists, we strive to live today, the attitudes of Jesus, inspired by Mary, Our Good Mother. Let us always strive to look beyond in service of children and young people to which we have been invited. May Our Good Mother continue to lead us as we endeavour to live and exercise the values of prophetic and servant leadership.

_________________

Orlu, January, 13, 2024.