The Sisters of Charity in the Nigerian Region gathered together in Port Harcourt on the 13th December, with friends, well wishers and family of Sr. Sylvia Uwalaka to celebrate and rejoiced with her as she celebrated twenty five years in the Lord’s service as a Sister of Charity.
The community in Port Harcourt were wonderful. They assisted Sister in the preparation before the day. On the 12th December, some communities in Lagos and Ibadan arrived and the Port Harcourt community in their usual generosity and love gave us a warm welcome. It was a happy reunion.
The celebration was lively and colourful with St. James’ Choir rending the melodies. The Parish Priest of St. James Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Noel Nalelo welcomed us to his parish. He expressed his joy and gratitude for having chosen his parish for the occasion. He thanked the sisters for their contribution to the development of the parish.
The homilist of the day was a Dominican priest and a cousin of Sr. Sylvia, Rev Fr. Joseph Akuhanna OP. He gave an inspiring homily and thanked Sr. Sylvia for her perseverance and dedication for the past twenty five years. He reminded Sylvia and all of us about our initial desire which brought us to Religious life and encouraged us to hold on to it and to take stock of the experiences of the past years and be grateful to God for his faithfulness and love.
The Novices and the newly professed danced the Magnificat gracefully. It was a joyful and grace filled occasion. Sr. Sylvia in her excitement and joy sang the song – “Great is thy faithfulness, oh Lord my Father”. The celebration continued after the Mass in the grounds of Compassion Home with some entertainment from the children and staff of Sancta Maria Nursery/Primary School.
We are grateful to God for the life of Sr. Sylvia, for her selfless dedication and faithful commitment in the service of God and formation in the Congregation. We wish her many more fruitful years in God’s service.
written by Sr. Justina Nelson.