SIMPLE PROFESSION OF DOMINICAN BROTHERS HELD ON SATURDAY, 28 AUGUST, 2010, AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PRIORY, IBADAN.
It was a special day of joy on Saturday 28th August, 2010 as no fewer than eleven brothers from the Dominican Community, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria made their simple profession in the hands of Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ukwe, OP (Prior Provincial) Order of Preachers (Dominicans) Province of St. Joeseph the Worker Nigeria and Ghana.
The newly professed brothers were: Samuel Akalite, OP, Raphael Amoah Addae, OP, Francis Chiadi, OP, Michael Chilokoa, OP, Anthony Hamidu, OP, Jude Ocheje, OP, Oliver Ogor, OP, Chukwunonso Ohayi, OP, Christian Okolie, OP, Leonard Okpechi, OP, Chidozie Onwe, OP.
The profession was highly attended as it attracted familiy members, friends as well as various Catholic religious community, within and outside Ibadan that graced the occasion.
The Prior Provincial (Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ukwe, OP) in his homily, admonished the brothers to live an upright life worthy of their vocations to the vow of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience to God. He stressed the message from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans 12: 1-13, which says "Think of God's mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to remember the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do."
"Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care."
Aside from the above, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ukwe OP noted that the simple vow is just the beginning of a lifetime journey in the Lord's vineyard. He highlighted the fact that there are are enormous challenges but with prayer and dedication, they are quite surmountable.
The brothers were not only thrilled by their profession and turnout of friends and well wishers including other Dominicans in the Institute to support them. At the end, they were grateful and thankful to God as well as to all present promising to keep to their religious vows to attain their final ordination in Jesus name. Amen
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St Jude Apostolate, Yaba. All rights reserved.
The profession was highly attended as it attracted familiy members, friends as well as various Catholic religious community, within and outside Ibadan that graced the occasion.
"Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care." 
Aside from the above, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Ukwe OP noted that the simple vow is just the beginning of a lifetime journey in the Lord's vineyard. He highlighted the fact that there are are enormous challenges but with prayer and dedication, they are quite surmountable.