In Praise of Moye the Great!

Today the Congregation of the sisters of Divine Providence (C.D.P’s) celebrate the birthday of their founder, Blessed John Martin Moye. My reflection centered on Fr. Moye, the great things God accomplished through him and how his spirit subsists in all of us who continue to carry his legacy across the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe.  

Today’s gospel reading talks about the parable of the sower. Through this reading I see how Fr. Moye was without doubt a “rich soil.” He accurately discerned the call of God, prudently executed it and prayerfully overcame the obstacles he encountered. Fr. Moye was touched by the poverty and spiritual hunger of villagers living in Lorraine's countryside where he started in France. He was particularly moved by the lack of educational opportunities for women as well as the absence of faith formation in the region. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he was moved do something about it but he did not stop there, he remained on the move for the rest of his life. Moye further advised the sisters not to get comfortable in any one place because the harvest is rich but the laborers are few. He was criticized a lot and was accused with recklessness for sending young women to live in the isolated hamlets of the countryside at a time when women were not allowed out of the house. One of the reasons I admire our founder a lot is because he had absolute trust in God. He told the sisters not to worry because if what he had started was of God, it will continue and if not, he will be glad to see it die off. Well, it hasn’t died off. CDP’s have been around for more than 350 years now and I am glad to be part of moye's spirituality. The legacy of Fr. Moye is simple this acronym "SPAC" helps to remember how fundamental virtues of simplicity, poverty, abandonment to Providence and Charity.  

a.  Simplicity requires us to be direct in our relations with God, others and ourselves

b. Poverty leads us into the detachment of Jesus in other to be free for mission

c.  Abandonment disposes us to live in this world like pilgrims, totally depending on God

d. Moved by the compassion of Christ, charity compels us to the works of Mercy

Blessed John Martin Moye, Pray for us

The Many Gifts of Providence

Towards the end of October 2015, my younger sister Tina took ill and was rushed to the hospital. From the moment the news of her illness reached me the time she passed, my C.D.P. family stood by me through it all. I was showered with love, prayers and all the support I needed. Plans were made for me to travel to Nigeria for Tina’s funeral and while in Nigeria, my C.D.P. sisters continued praying and offering mass intentions for me. Since my return, they are still with me through this journey of continuous recovery.

It will be three months this week since Tina passed. How providential that my dear friends, the Poor Clares organized a simple prayer service in honor of late Tina and her deceased son Simon Jude. I am grateful to the Poor Clares for their thoughtfulness, prayer/prayer card, delicious brunch following the Eucharistic celebration, take away bread and wonderful companionship. Their love is God’s way and continues reassurance to me that all is well. All is well because Christ has bequeathed his tidings of joy to us the baptized. It is well because his spirit empowers us to accept his gifts of life with a simultaneous willing disposition to let him have it whenever he chooses to take it back. Yes, I will continue to accept life’s challenges with optimism, openness and courage. But most importantly, I bless God for helping me recognize him at work through the gift of religious life, my C.D.P community, and my amazing friends, the Poor Clares. You are amazing!!!

She was Called Tina

It was a cold windy day in March three decades ago when your first cry was heard. I was particularly happy with your birth because you completed the quorum for us, or so I concluded in my naivety. At the age of ten, I was not particularly happy that I had four brothers and one less sister to have  perfect number. So I always prayed for one, you and you came.  Imagine my joy when that happened.  You came as happy, and bobby as you were expected. I would later jeer at Bonny (whom you have now joined in glory) because we both wrangled over the issue for a long time.

Like all new born Eyi, you looked small, frail and precious at birth and I wanted to carry you all day. But unlike most New born, I remember that father was not there to welcome you into the family, like he did the rest of us. Nor was he ever there at any point of your life because daddy was killed two days before you were born. Like you name suggests “Eyiuche,” we did expect what came to be. Because of the sad circumstances surrounding your birth, we were always protective of you, especially Mama. We were always there for you, always made sure you got what you needed and always supported you in everything that will enhance your well-being.  As Providence will have it, our efforts paid off. You grew, blossomed and became a rare combination of brain, beauty and bubble. Like the rays of a glorious morning, your illuminated our entire family with your contagious radiance. Yes, you definitely reciprocated the love showered upon per excellence. Your endearing personality distinguished you in the family which if why you are our special treasure of inestimable value. As an enthusiast, you lived a creative life colored with fun and determination. Most importantly, you followed in the footstep of Daddy, gave your life to God and served him as best as you know how. Your close relationship with God was expressed in the many lay organizations you belonged from you teen years until your recent demise. Always eager for personal growth and advancement, you successfully completed high school and college at an early age. We taught you were crazy when you declared your intention to get married soon after. Looking back, I am happy we let you follow your path, your short destiny.

Nine years ago Tina you were joined in Holy matrimony with your heartthrob Engr. P.J. Anya. Your union was blessed with three adorable children: Meme, Ben and Mezie. Then the Lord’s face shone upon you and your family again and you conceived. We were eagerly waiting to receive the news that you have been delivered of your fourth child. But alas, our hopes were dashed, nightfall came quickly and our glee was turned to grieve. The cold hands of death snatched you away, leaving us helpless, gaping and wondering still.

Eyi, I continue to commend you into the hands of God, your creator and upon whom you have returned.  I know that I will never see you or hear your melodious laughter again. Do you know that everybody in the family is still talking about you? About our joyful personality? About the way you look out for everybody and your carefree spirit? Yes, these are some of things we will continue to hold dear, memories that will be cherished forever. I know you live on Eyi because those who die in the Lord have only changed places. I thank God for you and the gift that you were for our family. Thank you for the legacy you left behind. I will always love you.

Fare thee well my love, my irreplaceable “ash” born

Fare thee well my most beautiful little Angel

Fare thee well Tina until we meet again to rejoice in never ending Joy

Upholding the Legacy of Religious Life

This is St Peter in Chains Cathedral Cincinnati. Yesterday 125 religious men and women from different Congregations gathered to celebrate the end of the Year of Consecrated life in the greater Cincinnati area. I was drumming away in the background and rejoicing in the gift of consecrated life in the world. I drum for our mothers and fathers past whose faith and fervent courage has helped to preserve this most wonderful way of life to this day. I drum for all of us who are still on this unfolding journey, holding still and daily overcoming the challenges of our times. I drum for the future of religious life, whatever that may be and for all those who will be part of that new dawn. Finally I drum for you reading this bolg because in your own way, you are extending God's kingdom. When you touch the lives of others in a positive way, you are contributing in making the world a better place. Keep it up!