It was on a Sunday, 31st day of August 2025 that the confreres in Abuja region (comprising missions in dioceses of Otukpo, Makurdi, Idah and Abuja) came together to celebrate the 4th century of the formal establishment of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers and Brothers). The venue was St. Kizito Catholic Church in Kuje near FCT Abuja. The jubilee celebration was not only for priests working in the region (of course it is rightly theirs, after all), but for the entire FAMVIN (Abuja region).

I arrived in the evening of Saturday; the first port of call was SS Simon and Jude Seminary Kuje where I met with our brothers working in the seminary and of course with the Provincial Superior who had come a day before. The atmosphere was festive as brothers in the Abuja mission were walking round the clock to fix things, rushing to meet multiple deadlines. However, all were gathered in the seminary for an honorary supper for our august invitee, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe who would be the chief celebrant of the jubilee mass the next day.

What was the get-together like? Your guess is right; it was largely informal as we had a common dinner in which the august invitee (the Bishop) met with priests of the Mission who had arrived in Kuje that night. It was also a moment to preview the activities of the jubilee celebration the next day.

Getting to the Church premises on Sunday, one would notice that the parish compound was charged with decorations and detailed protocol for hosting visitors to the parish: all were set for the Jubilee Mass which commenced at 10. am. It is good to note that the jubilee brochure was launched at 6.00 and 8.00 clock masses, which of course helped in reducing the cost of production of the brochure. Many thanks to Fathers Cosmas Ukadike and Paul Musa for their ingenuity (and wizardry).

The church of St. Kizito was filled to capacity as parishioners perhaps chose to attend the 10 am mass so as to witness the historic event. Of course it was as a result of sensitization done by the parish priest. Welcoming the bishop on behalf of the Congregation of the Mission province of Nigeria, the local superior Very Reverend Father Abel Agbulu noted that all who were present at the Mass were not just parishioners of St. Kizito Abuja alone, but Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, members of St. Vincent de Paul Society Abuja (SSVP), Ladies of Charity, Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY), Association of the Miraculous Medal, men and women who have been identified as icons of charity and would be appreciated and recognised with some awards after the Mass. Furthering his speech, Father Agbulu remarked that the choice of the Bishop to celebrate the jubilee mass was intentionally made given that the bishop has been championing the course of the poor especially those internally displaced from their homelands in his diocese (Markudi) and other parts of Benue State.

In his ten-minute homily, the learned confrere, Reverend Father Victor Nyoro, CM stated that Abuja region is not just celebrating a historic milestone of four hundred years of existence of the Congregation but fourth century of a living legacy of charity and compassion that continues to shape lives across the globe, including our beloved region, Abuja.

In his vote of thanks, the Provincial Superior, Very Reverend Father Damian Nwankwo, Cm appreciated the archbishop of Abuja for giving us the opportunity to host the event in his diocese while thanking the confreres of Abuja region, the parishioners, the FAMVIN (Abuja) and indeed all who made the event possible.

The second phase of the celebration featured award presentations to illustrious men and women who have distinguished themselves in works of charity. Notable among them was the Bishop of Markudi who was honoured with the Voice of the Voiceless award for always speaking for the poor and the marginalised. A total of fifty persons received awards of different categories.

By and large, kudos must be given to Abuja region for their team spirit, and collaboration with FAMVIN in making the celebration a huge success. The event was well packaged, colorful and next to known especially with regards to organization, packaging and marketing of our anniversary to the world. The echoes of the jubilee were heard in AIT, Catholic Television and Radio Maria. Kudos to members of Abuja regional community for a job well done.