The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Nigeria Participates in the Anniversary of the Vincentian Family (FAMVIN)
By Patricia Oluchi Onuoha, Vice Delegate for International Communications (CGI)
The International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in Nigeria joined in celebrating another remarkable milestone of the Vincentian Family (FamVin) during a three-day event held from Thursday 25 September to Saturday 27 September 2025. Together with the other branches of FamVin, they marked the 400th Jubilee Anniversary of the Vincentian Family. At the grand finale on 25 September 2025, many branches – the Congregation of the Mission, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, the International Association of Charities, the International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), the Association of the Miraculous Medal and the Lay Vincentian Missionaries – gathered at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Ikot Obong Edong, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the place where the Vincentians first arrived, to celebrate their Vincentian charism in an outstanding way. Earlier celebrations had taken place at the Abuja Region, South South Port Harcourt Region, Lagos Region and Oraifite/Onitsha Region. The Jubilee was an occasion to express gratitude to God for countless blessings, particularly for the service rendered to those in need and for the continued well-being of members rooted in the love of Christ.
The gathering centered on a concelebrated Holy Mass presided over by the Chief Celebrant, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Camillus Umoh, with Very Rev. Fr. Damian Ikechukwu Nwankwo, CM, as concelebrant. The celebration offered a moment to rebuild and to redefine the purpose of Vincentians in this apostolate, turning each opportunity into a season of gratitude lived in hope, faith and charity. An interactive session with the members present showed their readiness to engage in new initiatives to address existing challenges and to learn more about the work carried out across the branches. The presiding cleric encouraged all participants to embrace the example of St. Vincent de Paul and made a special appeal for support to the “13 Houses Project” that FamVin Nigeria hopes to undertake as part of the Jubilee.
Some SSVP members, including Hon. Justice Idongesit Ntem Isua (Rtd.), Bar. Joy Ohiagu, Dr. Violet Eze and Mrs. Miriam Onyemeziem, received the “Ambassador of Charity/Beacon of Charity” award. The event also featured the cutting of the Jubilee cake, with leaders of the Vincentian Family duly represented, followed by a series of goodwill messages. Among the notable SSVP figures present were Rev. Fr. Augustine Abiagom, CM, SSVP National Spiritual Adviser; Bro. Kim Emmanuel, SSVP CGI FamVin Coordinator for Africa; Bro. Victor Eze, SSVP Africa 1 Zone 1 Coordinator; Mrs. Miriam Onyemeziem, SSVP CGI WUCWO Deputy Head; Patricia Oluchi Onuoha, Vice Delegate for International Communications (CGI); Nneoma Claudia Mgbudom, SSVP Vice President of the National Council of Nigeria; and Bro. Gabriel Asempa Antwi, President of SSVP University of Legon, Ghana, among many others.
To conclude the event, a period of entertainment was held, followed by a group photograph, after which Rev. Fr. Augustine N. Abiagom, CM, LOC Chairman, gave the vote of thanks.
On the following day, 26 September 2025, SSVP members were present alongside hundreds of participants from the Vincentian Family, relatives, formators, friends and well-wishers who attended the priestly ordination of five of their distinguished sons: Rev. Frs. Ifeanyichukwu Callistus Ifeanyi, CM; Kenny Unigwe, CM; Blessing Agholor Etuonu, CM; Brendan Chijioke Eze, CM; and Athanasius Paschal Umoette, CM. They received the Sacrament of Holy Orders at St. Joseph Major Seminary Chapel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The Ordaining Prelate, His Grace Most Rev. Joseph Effiong Ekuwem, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar, was the Chief Celebrant. In his homily, Archbishop Ekuwem urged the newly ordained to follow God’s guidance. Though they may differ as individuals, he said, they are one body united in Christ, and must work according to God’s will, ensuring that the flock entrusted to them does not go astray. He also encouraged them to allow the Spirit of God to guide them throughout their Vincentian apostolate.
The rite of ordination, recalling their entry into the priesthood according to the Order of Melchizedek, included the presentation of the candidates, the promise of the elect, the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination. The key moments were the investiture with the stole and chasuble, the anointing of hands, the handing over of the bread and wine and the exchange of the kiss of peace.
The celebration prompted an outpouring of joy across the seminary grounds, as family members, friends, formators and well-wishers joined the newly ordained in the thanksgiving procession. A cake-cutting ceremony and refreshments followed in the chapel’s refectory.
On 27 September 2025, the universal Feast of St. Vincent de Paul marked the final day of the celebration. It was widely observed in conferences throughout the country and in the diaspora. The day began with a concelebrated Holy Mass at the Vincentian Family Community in Abiakpo Ntak Nyang, Akwa Ibom State.
The Provincial Superior of the Province of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Damian Ikechukwu Nwankwo, CM, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, joined by other priests. Members of the SSVP and other branches of the Vincentian Family participated in the Mass. The homily focused on the life and works of St. Vincent de Paul, a humble and gentle man who lived according to the ways of Christ. The faithful were encouraged to imitate his example, firmly rooted in Jesus Christ. Expressions of appreciation were offered to the Superior and President of FamVin Nigeria, and to Fr. Campuzano, by Africa 1 Zone 1 and the Ghanaian Visitor.
It was a memorable experience for every Vincentian, providing an opportunity to renew their commitment to service and charity in the noble legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and to share in the blessings of this Jubilee moment.
