February 15, 2017
By Ann Schulte, SHCJ
“Please pass this way” said a very busy traffic controller, as we reached the gates of the University of Lagos, and showed our invitation card. The graduands were all hurrying to the multi- purpose hall. Sr. Mary Akinwale was waiting for us, resplendent in her cerise gown with its important two golden stripes on the sleeves, indicative of the fact that she was a Masters graduand in Educational Administration and Planning.
After the ceremony the Akinwale family had booked tables and a meal for each person, including the sisters, a very thoughtful and much appreciated move by them. When Mary arrived, the rejoicing began and out came smart phones, iPads and cameras to record this special and joyous occasion! We also finally could take some photos! It was good to see Mary’s brother Fr. Anthony Akinwale OP from Ibadan, Dr. Emmanuel Akinwale, the Deputy Registrar of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos together with other close members of her family.
The Keffi Street Community, continued the celebration when Mary finally returned in the evening, with prayers of thanksgiving, music and dancing!
On Sunday 29th January, the PLT had a festive celebration for sisters returning after studies to the Province, Sr. Sylvia Enendu back from Kenya, studies in a MA course for Psycho Spiritual Therapy, Sr. Oyidu Okwori back from England, who obtained a distinction in her MSC course in Financial Management, and Sr. Mary Akinwale with her MA in Administrative Planning. More rejoicing was the order of the day, for our three sisters, who will now take up responsibilities in different communities.
Thank you, Sr Ann, for the beautiful story.
Well done Mother Ann for the beautiful report. Congratulations Sr. Mary A. Best wishes in your new Community & ministry.
Congratulations to you, Mary, on this magnificent achievement. I was lovely to see the joy in the photos and I hope and pray that this qualification will enable you to contribute richly to the mission of the SHCJ in the African province.
Congrats!!! Dearest Mary,
I look forward to seeing you when next you are in the USA. We will celebrate your graduation together.
Your loving.
Auntie Michie
Loving congratulations, Mary! From afar I’ve followed your journey of study and was delighted to hear you graduated when you came a few days ago to NYC for the UNANIMA=International Board meeting. May your ministry in Calabar bring joy and inspiration to the students, faculty,staff and the SHCJ community.
Jean M. O’Meara
Congratulations, Mary.
Loving wishes, Jeanne Marie Guerin, SHCJ
Congratulations, Mary. Wish I could be there with you to celebrate! May the administrative planning serve you and the Society well !
Love and Prayers,
Pat Phillips
Congratulations, Sr. Mary! This is a mile stone.
Well done, Mary! Our prayers as you go from strength to strength!
“Neighbour”, Congratulations! We are proud of you. You have made us proud. Well done for your dedication and standard hard work.
Thank you for sharing the souvenir with us.
All of us in Jos – CFR and Novitiate communities rejoice with you. We have celebrated Masses of thanksgiving for/with you.
God be blessed, AMDG
Berne “Neighbour” for all the Sisters and Novices
Congratulations my dear Sisters, Mary Sylvia and Oyidu. Kudos for hard work pays. Welcome back to the province we need you all. The harvest is indeed plentiful, not enough labourers. Wishing you the best in your different ministries. May Gods choicest Blessings be with you,
Love and prayers,
Irene ,SHCJ
Congratulations Sr Mary Akinwale. We, the Old Girls of Holy Child College Association are proud of you. Our ‘own’ has made a mark. May God continue to propel you to heights beyond your imagination to serve humanity. Amen.
‘Action NOT Words’
And to Rv Sr. Ann – well done a concise and on the spot report. Thank you.