The Vincentian Family in Sierra Leone joyfully joined the worldwide Vincentian family in celebrating the 400 Years Jubilee of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) on the 30th of April, 2025. The celebration was marked by deep gratitude, vibrant liturgy, and concrete acts of charity in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.
The chief celebrant at the Holy Mass was Rev. Fr. Chimaobi Elemuo, CM, while the homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Agada, CM, who reflected powerfully on the enduring Vincentian spirit of service to the poor, evangelization, and the call to practical charity in today’s world.
As part of the Jubilee activities, the Vincentian Fathers, together with members of the Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP), the Religious sisters, and the parishioners of St. Columba’s Parish, visited the Moyamba Correctional Center. There, we fed the inmates, provided basic medicines, and conducted counseling sessions, offering comfort, hope, and encouragement. The inmates were deeply touched by this gesture of love and compassion, and many expressed profound gratitude for being remembered and cared for in such a meaningful way.
The celebration of the Holy Mass at the parish was colorful and dramatic, enriched with symbolic processions that highlighted the Vincentian mission and spirituality. During the entrance procession, several significant items were carried to the altar:
The Bible: representing the Word of God, the foundation of the Vincentian mission and the guiding light for evangelization and service.
The Crucifix: symbolizing the love and sacrifice of Christ, the true model of self-giving service to the poor and suffering.
The Globe: signifying the universal mission of the Vincentians, called to bring the Good News and charity to every corner of the world.
The Shoe: representing the missionary journey and tireless outreach to the poor and marginalized—walking the paths of the forgotten and bringing Christ to them.
The atmosphere was filled with joy, songs, and gratitude as all participants: priests, religious, and lay faithful joined together in thanksgiving to God for four centuries of Vincentian service and presence in the world.
In the end, the celebration stood as a remarkable and memorable event, reminding all present of their shared call to continue the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul: to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with humility, love, and zeal.
Prepared by:
Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Agada, CM
