The 400 Years Jubilee Celebration of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) for the Oraifite/Enugu Region was joyfully held on Saturday, 13th September 2025, at SS. John and Paul Parish, Iba Pope, Awada, in the Archdiocese of Onitsha with the theme: Charity for Life: 400 Years of Service with the Poor. The celebration began with the Holy Mass at 11:00 a.m., presided over by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, representing the Metropolitan Archbishop, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke. The Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Mission, Very Rev. Fr. Damian I. Nwankwo, CM, and Very Rev. Fr. Evarestus Igwe, CM, concelebrated the Holy Mass alongside several Vincentian priests.

In his inspiring homily, Rev. Fr. Augustine Nwedo, CM, offered a succinct yet profound summary of the history of the Congregation from its foundation in 1625 by St. Vincent de Paul to the present day. He emphasized that service to the poor remains the hallmark of the Vincentian charism, urging all members of the Vincentian Family to continue walking faithfully in the footsteps of their Founder. A major highlight of the Eucharistic celebration was the presentation of gifts by the various arms of the Vincentian Family (FAMVIN), signifying unity, love, and collaboration in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. At the end of the Mass, a goodwill message was delivered on behalf of the Metropolitan Archbishop, who warmly congratulated the Vincentian Family for this milestone and encouraged them to persevere in their mission of serving Christ in the poor.

In his response, the Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Damian I. Nwankwo, CM, expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Grace and all collaborators in the Archdiocese, appreciating their sustained partnership in the mission of charity. He affectionately referred to all present as “Vincentians,” sharing in the same spirit of service and love.
The National Coordinator of FAMVIN in Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Evarestus Igwe, CM, also extended appreciation to all participants, commending the various branches of the Vincentian Family for their remarkable solidarity and commitment. Following the Holy Mass, participants moved to the second phase of the celebration — a grand reception and presentation of merit awards to distinguished members of the Vincentian Family who have supported the mission in diverse ways across Oraifite/Enugu Region.In his vote of thanks, the Local Superior of Oraifite/Enugu Region, Rev. Fr. Callistus Ajaero, CM, expressed deep gratitude to the Provincial Superior, the clergy, religious, members of FAMVIN, and all guests for their presence, generosity, and dedication. He prayed for God’s continued blessings and safe journeys for all participants. The day concluded with joy, fraternal exchanges, and a renewed commitment to live out the Vincentian mission of “Charity for Life.”