Still a Resounding “Yes”

I came to the United States confident that I know what is good for me, what I want out of life, what will make me happy. Eager to immerse myself into my new environment, I enthusiastically participated in both academic and non-academic activities. Set to attain my long desired quest for higher learning, I thrust myself into the rhythm of College life because I wanted to excel. However, during my second year of College, I started becoming a little restless, it was like something was missing. At first I tried to dismiss the feeling, telling myself that I was probably too home sick, yet the feeling would not go away.

Back then, Sr. Mary Theresa Bowman CDP was volunteering at the Newman center of Berea college where I attended. As a great friend and mentor, she supported, still supports and encourages me. So I shared my thoughts with her, asking that she offer prayers for me. Gradually, I started feeling drawn to religious life once again and the thought of it always made me happy. As time went on, my discernment moved from prayer to action. I visited our sisters in Melbourne Ky, and again in 2009 for a “come and see” weekend. I decided to attend the event because I wanted to explore all my options. It obviously I found what my heart was seeking. Fast forward 7 years, and I am now in my second year of initial formation. 

It seems like a dream that I am through with my canonical year of Novitiate. So far, it has been an interesting journey of spiritual, social, psychological and communal growth for me. I am grateful that this journey has expanded my faith and broadened by understanding of what it means to be a twenty first century religious woman seeking membership in the United States. My journey has enabled me to have a deeper encounter with God through the spirituality of Blessed Jean Martin Moye and the charism of our foundation. On the whole, the joys and challenges gained this past year continue to strengthen my discernment and keep me grateful for all the people/events through which God has kept me steadfast.

I have experienced community as a place of laughter, celebrations and tears. Always eager to participate in the work of building God’s kingdom by proclaiming his gospel of love and compassion, this past year has enabled me to immerse myself into the rhythm of prayer, service and sharing community with all our amazing sisters and CDP community who daily continue to added value to my life. United in our common call, vision, and purpose, I am humbled to have the privilege to participate in sharing the great call of proclaiming the coming of the kingdom by making it present in and through us. I have learned so much this past year because I have been given everything I need to become a grounded, happy, vibrant future CDP. I am fortunate to be in a place where I have blossomed for God. As a woman of Providence, I continue to accept all from providence; experiences which proved that my trust in Providence is not in vain as well as challenges that help me unite my sufferings with that of Christ. I am at peace with everything because I know that my destiny is in God’s hands. By his grace, I can accept whatever comes as his will and in good faith repose my confidence in him.

While I remain grateful for this journey and hope that it continues, I am also at peace with whatever happens. Just like Fr. Moye said before leaving for China, I am at ease because I am in the hands of God and I have no doubt that Providence does indeed guide and direct everything. May it not be in vain that I seek the face of Providence because my intentions are pure. I hope that my journey continues to be full of adventure, compassion and strengthening of relationship much more than I can ask or imagine. I have made it this far only with the help of God who has kept me faithful through the practice of the evangelical councils, our fundamental virtues of simplicity, poverty, charity and abandonment to providence and my personal spiritual exercises. I am happy and always feel at home with our sisters because my heart is at peace, a tranquil peace that helps me know that I am in the right place. As I begin my Apostolic Novitiate with the Refugee Resettlement program at Ohio Catholic Charities, I urge you to pray that God may continue to help me remain open to his gifts shared and exchanged in this mystical continuum of love.

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!

Happiness Redefined

We all want to be happy, and all our drives and struggles revolves around the desire to be happy. Growing up, some of us probably observed our parents shuttle between jobs day and night to keep things going for the members of the family. In the midst of all that, some of them enroll into full or part time programs to acquire higher certification and advance themselves in the midst of already crazy schedules. This is because most good parents want the best for their family even if it means putting up with enormous daily toil and hard work. Hard work is rewarding, it can creates economic empowerment, which can be a stepping stone for a better future. So when everyone in the family is happy, parents are happy too because they helped to create it for everybody. There is nothing better than that when one rejoices in his or her work says Ecclesiastes. (3:22) Notice I said when parents work hard to help their children succeed, everybody is happy. The same thing applies to parents also. When parents grow too old to care for themselves, their child/children or Stepchildren take over their upkeep. Responsible adults ought to look out for their aging and sick parents. They ought to make sure that their parents are safe, secured and happy. There is always a sense of comfort and happiness associated with knowing that we have done the best for our parents who are no longer able to take care of themselves.

But how we treat those dearest to us is exactly the same way God wants us to treat everybody. We are one huge global family, seeking and desiring similar things, including comfort, stability, security and happiness. As we work hard to secure our individual futures, let us remember to play the role of children and parents to those who need it for we are not all equally gifted and because God intends that all the gifts of the earth, including wealth, talents be recycled. Everything is to be placed at the service everyone. When we truly play our part as co-creators of happiness, unimaginable measure of happiness, pressed down, shaken together and flowing over will our portion in time and eternity. Luke 6:38

 

Divine Nudging

"There is within us a fundamental dis-ease, an unquenchable fire that renders us incapable, in this life, of ever coming to full peace. This desire lies at the center of our lives, in the marrow of our bones, and in the deep recesses of the soul. At the heart of all great literature, poetry, art, philosophy, psychology, and religion lies the naming and analyzing of this desire. Spirituality is, ultimately, about what we do with that desire. What we do with our longings, both in terms of handling the pain and the hope they bring us, that is our spirituality Augustine says: ‘You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.’ Spirituality is about what we do with our unrest.”   ― Ronald Rolheiser

I  returned from Sunday mass this morning in high spirits. Where I live is next door to Holy Cross Parish, but for some reason, I have not been going there for Sunday masses. In the past ten months, I may have only attended mass at Holy Cross on on 3 occasions. And the only reason I can think about at the moment is because of my preference for early masses. I like going for early masses so that I can have the rest of day to do personal stuffs. But today I decided to go to Holy Cross, I returned with a deep sense of fulfillment.

Three Fridays ago it was announced at morning mass that grade school children will form a choir, to sing at the 10:30 a.m. mass. As soon as I heard that, I felt a strong urge to volunteer to be part of that. But by the end of the mass, I changed my mind. I told myself that my presence will not make much of a difference, and that others are available to do it. But the desire to volunteer refused to dissipate. So last week I decided to make more inquiries. I got the phone number of the choir director, and offered my help. He told me that he will be happy with whatever assistance I am willing to offer. So at mass this morning, I offered the gift of my voice, my ability to harmonize songs and my gift of playing the tambourine. Surprisingly, it seemed to make a little difference in the songs, people seemed to like it. At least three parishioners came to hug and thank me for the flavour my gifts added to the liturgy. The real highlight however, came from a particular parishioner who I will call "mr. Stabbler" to provide his privacy. Mr. Stabbler revealed that although he is also at mass, and can sing, today is the first time in 5 years that he has actually opened the hymnal. What Mr. Stabbler said brough chills all over my body. He praised the choir director for using the right pitch, acknowledged our blended voices and said he was elated with the music. That proclamation of faith made my day and I encouraged Mr. Stebbler to join the choir. He said he would think about it.  

The more I reflect on this, the more I am convinced that it is God himself who has led me into this unique encounter with him. Our shared faith experience of him at mass today lifted our hearts to praise and worship in a deeper way tby singing well, and a little differently. It has also helped me to realize that not only can a single person make a significant difference, but that we have all been given whatever gifts we have for the benefit of others. Yes, it is possible to enter into a more concrete experience of God through the ordinary things of life such as singing and playing tambourine. I pray that we will continue to remain open to the Spirit of God who continues to draw us into new and exciting encounter with him.