Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has acknowledged the commitment of Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSP) towards the spiritual, educational and social upliftment of communities in the State.
The Governor made this known Friday during the centenary celebration of Spiritan presence in North-Eastern Nigeria and Diaconate Ordination at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Makurdi.
Governor Alia who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Sam Ode, said the Congregation’s presence in the State has not only transformed lives of the people but fostered a strong sense of faith and hope among Benue people with dedication instrumental in creating a network of Catholic Dioceses within the North-east region.
“Throughout the years, your unwavering commitment to the spiritual, educational, and social upliftment of our communities has not only transformed lives but has also fostered a strong sense of faith and hope among the people you serve.
“Your dedication has been instrumental in creating a thriving network of Catholic dioceses across the region, nurturing countless individuals on their faith journeys, and inspiring future generations to lead lives of purpose and service”
He commended the Congregation popularly known as Holy Ghost Fathers for its initiative to have a Safe Haven Project aimed at establishing a retirement home for priests, hospital and retreat centre that shows compassion for spiritual leaders, especially those in their twilight years.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “one hundred years of Spiritan presence: commemorating the past and inspiring the future”, Governor Alia who noted that it serves as a reminder of the early missionaries that arrived the country in the nineteen twenties, urged them to not only reflect on the past but embark on new adventures of faith and service to uplift the clergy and entire society to inspire future generations.
He congratulated members of the Holy Ghost Fathers on its centenary celebration, prayed to God to fill their hearts with joy and inspire them to continue the vital mission with unwavering commitment and love.
Superior General of the Spiritans Worldwide, Reverend Father Alain Mayama in a remark, urged all to reach out to the less privileged in the Society in order to give them new hope and courage
On his part, Provincial Superior, Congregation of Holy Spirit in the Province of Nigeria Northeast, Reverend Father Jude Ortese, thanked the Governor and everyone for their presence and support towards the growth of the Religious society.
Earlier in a homily, the Apostolic Nucio to Nigeria, Arch Bishop Michael Crotty Said the past 100 years has been that of gratitude to God for his immense blessings and the spread of the gospel despite challenges
He reminded the people to know that they are not alone in their decisions to serve the Lord, saying God is always there for his people
Four (4) persons were ordained as deacons during the celebration.
The Congregation of the Holy ghost is a religious congregation in the Catholic Church often known as Holy ghost fathers with the mandate of soul winning style of evangelization, using education as a tool especially among the poor in the grassroots.
