The Blessing and Dedication of the New IVTS Chapel, Maryland, Enugu – Tuesday, 16th December 2025.
The Conference of Visitors of Africa and Madagascar (COVIAM) yesterday celebrated a historic milestone with the solemn dedication of its newly completed chapel at the International Vincentian Theological Seminary (IVTS), Maryland, Enugu.
The event pulled clerics and lay persons, men and women of consecrated life, members of the Vincentian family in Nigeria, supporters and collaborators of Vincentian ministries in Nigeria, within and outside Nigeria.
The dedication Mass, which began at 10:00 a.m., was presided over by Bishop Jacek Tendej, who formally dedicated Saint Vincent de Paul chapel to God. Present at the celebration was the Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Fr. Thomas Mavric, C.M. Also in attendance were the President of COVIAM, represented by the Provincial Superior of Ethiopia, the Nigerian Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Damian Nwakwo, C.M., and numerous priests from the provinces of Rwanda, Congo, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Nigeria, as well as alumni and members of the Vincentian Family in Nigeria.
In his reflections, Bishop Tendej emphasised the importance of sacred spaces in the life of the Church, describing the chapel as a place of prayer, encounter, and spiritual nourishment for those in formation. He encouraged the community to allow the chapel to remain the heart of their Vincentian life, sustaining them in faith and service.
The Eucharistic celebration was marked by solemnity and active participation; it was brought to a conclusion at about 12.300 pm. After the Mass, participants gathered for a group photograph to commemorate the historic occasion. This was followed by a brief interview session with some dignitaries at the occasion.
Thereafter, guests were hosted at a reception, followed by refreshments and fraternal interaction. The event formally ended around 3:00 p.m. with a closing remark by the Nigerian Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Damian Nwakwo, C.M. and a closing prayer and benediction led by Bishop Tendej, after which all participants departed.
It is good to note that the St. Vincent de Paul Chapel stands as a symbol of faith, unity, and commitment to common Vincentian theological formation in Africa and Madagascar. May thanks to the Superior General, the Vincentian Solidarity Office, Congregation of the Mission (Nigeria), team of formators and executors of the project and indeed to all who worked very hard to realise this project. Thank you so much.
