His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze has urged Brothers of St. Stephen
Congregation to constantly strive for perfect love of God and those of
their neighbours.
“Follow the gospel zealously and observe the rules of religious
community,’’ Cardinal Arinze said.
He made the plea during silver jubilee and final religious profession of
some brothers of St. Stephen congregation at Basilica of the Most Holy
Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra state.
Cardinal Arinze noted that life of a Christian was that of a witness for
Christ, stressing that there were three ways to follow Christ; being a
lay faithful, religious or an ordained.
He explained that being religious included Rev. Brothers, Sisters, Monks
and Nuns, who have dedicated their lives to service of Christ, by
following God daily and serving the Church.
Arinze also noted that being religious called for undertaking of life of
prefect chastity, wholehearted obedience and joyful poverty, which
Christ and His Virgin Mary, Mother chose for them and persevering in it
forever.
“Since you are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside
every weight of sin which clings so closely and run with perseverance, a
race that is set before you, looking to Jesus the pioneer and finisher
of our faith.’’
Cardinal Arinze, then, prayed God to keep them patient in time of trial,
steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, tireless in works of love and above
all grant them the joy of vows fulfilled.
In an interview, one of the final professed, Brother, Samuel Nnayelugo
from Umueze Village, Amawbia, Awka South LGA thanked God for choosing
him as his instrument.
He implored God to use him effectively for service to the church and
humanity.
The silver jubilee celebrators include Romanus Igwurube from Enugu
Diocese, Augustine Ugwuoke, Anthony Eze and Innocent Ezea from Nsukka
Diocese.
The final professed Brothers are Romanus Ude from Enugu State, Nnayelugo
from Anambra and Daniel Imor from Benue.