Visit to VMY Nigeria 2008

NIGERIA, from July 21 to August 04, 2008

From July 21 to August 4, 2008 Yasmine Cajuste (VMY International President) visited the Association in Nigeria. She successively met the groups of Lagos and Enugu; she shared with them the progress of VMY at an international level and several important aspects of the life of the groups. She also had the opportunity of knowing different places where they carry out their apostolate: visits to the families, a handicapped people’s home and a neighbourhood for lepers in Emene.

From July 24-27 the II National Encounter took place in the Sanctuary of the Miraculous Medal that is the national seat of the Association. Around 60 representatives of all the groups participated. On this occasion, they got the visit of Monsignor Camillus Etokudoh, Bishop of Ikot Ekpene as well as of some members of the diocesan board of CWO (Catholic Women Organization). A coconut palm was planted on the courtyard of the Sanctuary as a sign of the growth that all the members are waiting the Association to get. The closing mass of the Encounter was held at St. Vincent Parish (Ikot Obong Edong), the first parish of the Lazarists in the country. Nowadays it is a diocesan parish.

On the days after the Encounter, Yasmine visited the apostolate places of the members in Ikot Ekpene: visits to the families, encounter with some members of the Diocesan Project of fight against AIDS (CACA), etc. She also visited some communities of CM and DC in Uyo, Ufana Iba and Calabar.

From July 31 to August 3, Yasmine were in the Diocese of Port Hartcourt; this was the last phase of her visit. She lived different experiences with the members of the diocese: she shared with them the gospel, a formation session, and a closing party, where the Sisters of the Provincial House of DC participated.

This visit of formation and motivation has been a very enriching experience for all of us and we hope it gives fruits of growth, fidelity and a bigger commitment in the six dioceses where VMY Nigeria is present.

Yasmine Cajuste
VMY International President