20 February, 2019
Holy Child College Lagos recently inaugurated Prefects of 2018/19 session. The event took place on Wednesday 13th February, 2019. Parents of the incoming prefects were in attendance. All glory to the Holy Child Jesus for the spirit of service in the hearts of the prefects.
20 February, 2019
By Anne Stewart, SHCJ
The Step Into the Gap volunteers recently left for their international placements. One group is going to Uganda and the other group to the Holy Land. The group going to the Holy Land will be meeting with Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD) partners in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. As part of their visit they will be meeting with young people from Israel and Palestine in order to learn about peace initiatives in the Holy Land. One of the partner organisations is Caritas Jerusalem.
The group going to Uganda will start their visit in Kampala meeting with the National Justice and Peace Commission who are currently campaigning on land rights in Uganda. They will also be spending time at an HIV project and a hospice. They will be spending time in local communities and learning about community projects, such as a Village Loan and Savings Association. They will also be visiting local schools. They will also be looking at health care issues and again spending time in local communities.
21 February, 2019
Veronica Openibo, SHCJ
Society Leader Veronica Openibo, SHCJ, will be speaking on behalf of UISG (International Union of Superiors General) at the Vatican meeting on the protection of minors in the Church, which takes place 21-24 February.
Each day will have a different theme: Thursday – responsibility; Friday – accountability; and Saturday – transparency. Veronica will speak on “Openness: sent out into the world” at 9:15 a.m. Rome time on Saturday. Let us pray for her and for the success of the meeting.
The Vatican will be streaming live parts of the meeting.
Click here to access the meeting schedule and click here to access the live-streaming of the event.
Society Leader Veronica Openibo, SHCJ, recently spoke on behalf of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) at the Vatican meeting on the protection of minors in the Church. Her message of the necessity of complete transparency in the Church was picked up far and wide. Below are links to a sample of media coverage.
CNN: A nun just read the riot act to Catholic bishops over clergy sex abuse
LaCroix International: Women at Vatican summit call bishops to complete transparency
CatholicPhilly.com: Nuns hope more women at summit sets standard for future Vatican meetings
Religion News Service: Bishops told transparency needed to overcome clergy abuse crisis
The Tablet: Nigerian sister urges bishops to face up to abuse
America Magazine: Nigerian sister asks bishops: Why did the church allow atrocities of sex abuse to remain secret?
Vatican News: Protection of Minors: Sr. Openibo ‘Church needs openness and transparency’
African Times: Nigerian nun warns that church sex abuse is Africa’s problem too
Charleston Chronicle: Nigerian Nun Shames Catholic Church for Silence on Sex Abuse
Independent Catholic News: Nigerian Sister Veronica Openibo addresses Protection of Minors Summit – FULL TEXT
PBS News Hour:
Guardian News:
Catholic News Service:
UISG’s Press Conference on Protection of Minors in the Church:
Watch Sr. Veronica’s talk in full:
Ash Wednesday, 6 March, 2019
IT’S ASH WEDNESDAY! So, will you be going forward for your Brand Mark today? Will you stand in line to receive the Christian Logo, the Cross of Christ on your forehead? Will you remember that it was first traced there in fragrant oil at your baptism? Today it will be marked in gritty ash. Yes, we remember that we are dust, but we also remember that it was from dust we were lovingly created. So we are setting out again to journey towards Easter, to enter the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection, to renew our Baptism, for we are marked for LIFE!
13 March, 2019
The piece below appears in the Winter 2019 issue of SHCJ Associates Newsletter American Province. To learn more about Cornelia’s spirituality, read the Associates’ Newsletters by clicking here.
By by Linda Tarney and Kay Rowan, Associates, USA
Linda…
As 2019 was approaching, I thought deeply about what my resolutions would be. After much deliberating, I came up with several, but will share with you my ecofriendly resolution. I am giving up deodorant. You may be wondering how is that going to help the environment. It will most likely smell up the environment. Well, I wanted to use less plastic and be exposed to fewer chemicals so I thought why don’t I start with all those plastic deodorant containers. So I found an alternative source in Australia, a stick of potassium alum crystal in a (World Wildlife fund approved) cork container. It contains no alcohol, perfumes, dyes, aluminum, or preservatives and the cork is 100% recyclable (or upscale) and biodegradable. It works for 24 hours and 1 container of the potassium alum crystal lasts twelve months. I shall see how it works and how longs it lasts.
In case you did not include an earth friendly resolution among yours, I have compiled with the use of Kyle Fitzpatrick’s article titled “5 Earth-friendly Resolutions You Can Actually-Easily-Keep in 2019” (first published on 12/19/18) some easy ways to be God’s good stewards in 2019 and beyond. These are environmental protecting resolutions you can start right now in 2019 or put into practice during your Lenten journey.
1. Use your own vessels when you go grocery shopping, grab a coffee or pick up your take home dinner. Did you know that plastic litter clutters our entire planet now? Take your own tote bags when you go shopping. Invest in a metal, glass or bamboo straw and a straw brush. Keep a reusable mug or tumbler in your car or office. Bringing your own vessels with you helps shift you away from society’s single use mentality.
2. Designate one day off from driving every week. Did you know that cars are the 5th biggest producer of emissions in the United States? One day a week work from home if permitted, car pool, ride-share pool, ride a bike or take a bus instead of driving your car to work.
3. Become a semi-vegetarian or flexitarian and save meat for the weekends. This is a wonderful Lenten practice, also. Did you know that the way food is produced today is a root cause of problems like deforestation, water shortages, and greenhouse gases? In 2019 (or for Lent) eat more legumes, vegetables, fruits and nuts instead of meat. These food types are better for your health and going vegetarian is a much cheaper lifestyle. Also, if you can’t cut out meat all together buy local meats to cut down on the carbon footprint of the food.
4. Switch all your lightbulbs to LED bulbs. Did you know that LED bulbs produce the same quality of light, but use 40% less energy than incandescent bulbs? Incandescent bulbs last up to 365 days while LED bulbs can last 25 years. LED bulbs do cost more initially than incandescent bulbs, but do save you money in the log run. “When used 8 hours a day, every day incandescent bulbs cost roughly $23 a year, whereas LEDs cost $4 a year.”
5. Start composting. Did you know that by composting you will keep organic waste out of landfills and help prevent the generation of greenhouse gases? In turn, this saves 277 lbs. of waste per person per year from going into the landfills. Basic composters start from $20, while worm-friendly composters can cost over $100. Begin your eco-friendly, sustainable resolution by committing to one lifestyle change and adding more when feasible. Make a plan and work with friends for support to keep your resolutions. Really, it is okay to make mistakes. Always remember that with work, perseverance, and support from the Spirit, family and friends you can keep your 2019 resolutions and get a little greener.
Now, how are you going to give back to God and His beautiful creations?
Kay…
Wow! After reading Linda’s great article, Lent will definitely find me committing to at least one new earth friendly project! What will it be?
1. When I forget to take my own containers shopping I’ll remember to make sure those plastic bags go to a store that recycles them.
2. Carpooling? I no longer work but do volunteer and often join friends for lunch. More intentional carpooling could be a way to help here.
3. Giving up meat, at least on Fridays during Lent and perhaps the rest of the week is doable.
4. LED bulbs? We already changed out. Intentionally using less artificial light where possible sounds like a good next step.
5. I already compost just differently. I save all the peelings and scraps from my vegetables in a container in the freezer. When my container is full I boil it all up into a nice vegetable broth for soup and then dispose of a much smaller volume of leftovers.
I think I have my earth friendly Lenten resolutions in place!
Linda is right that we need support and inspiration from the Holy Spirit, from family and friends so choose someone to journey with you if you can and pray!
Here are some useful resources:
ecospiritualityresources.com – Terri MacKenzie offers two resources for Lent 2019, one on soil and one on Laudato Si’ as well as books, videos and other sites to try.
catholicclimatemovement.global – good resource for activities taking place around the world. They usually post
Lenten activities closer to Ash Wednesday.
Delio, Ilia, K. Warner, P. Wood, Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth. Paperback or Kindle edition. Each of the four sections of this wonderful book offers the reader insights to help nurture a Franciscan spirituality of the earth as well as prayers, meditations, spiritual practices and group activities to help reconnect with the earth.
Laudatosi.com At this Word on Fire site you can read the encyclical on the official Vatican website, download a PDF copy or order a paperback edition.
17 April, 2019
World-renowned anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall visited Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus in Pasadena to share insight into her nearly 60 years of groundbreaking research that redefined the relationship between humans and animals and shaped the conversation of conservation in the 21st century.
Dr. Jane Goodall with Mayfield Junior School students.
During her nearly one-hour talk, Dr. Goodall emphasized to the audience of how connected everything is in our complex world. She shared that in order to save many of the endangered species on earth we need to find ways to eliminate the abject poverty that so often pushes people to turn to making detrimental choices.
Headmaster Joseph J. Gill remarked prior to the presentation, “Dr. Goodall, you are a hero who has not only influenced a community and specific species, but someone who has literally changed the way we all look at the world in which we live. There are very few people who we can directly thank for making the world a better place, and it is truly an honor to have that chance to thank you today.”
Paul Baribault, Maggie Baribault, Dr. Jane Goodall, Mollie Baribault, Emilie Baribault, Ellie Baribault
Goodall is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and is a UN Messenger of Peace that travels 300 days a year all around the world. Her message is to encourage us to take action on behalf of all living things and care for the planet that we all share.
Following the presentation, Student Body President Luke Cronthall presented Dr. Goodall with Mayfield gifts and thanked her on behalf of the MJS community for her inspirational words.
Founded in 1931 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Mayfield Junior School is a leading Catholic, independent school serving kindergarten to eighth grade boys and girls. Mayfield is distinguished by the Holy Child educational philosophy of Cornelia Connelly, the Society’s founder. Cornelia Connelly’s pioneering belief of developing the whole child as an intellectual, spiritual, creative and athletic person set the standard for Mayfield 87 years ago. Located adjacent to historic Old Pasadena, Mayfield’s elementary and middle school educational program, specifically designed for each developmental stage, best prepares students for high school and beyond.
17 April, 2019
Here are some highlights of 2nd term 2018-19 at Our Lady of Nigeria Nursery Primary School, Oghara.
A few weeks after resumption of term on 7th February, 2019, we were cheered by the visit of the Society Leader, Sr. Veronica Openibo. She encouraged the pupils to be good ambassadors of the school and spoke passionately to members of staff on child rights protection and Cornelia Connelly’s philosophy of education.
15th March Seminar on Child Abuse Versus SHCJ Child Rights Protection Policy
This seminar/workshop was very engaging. It was well attended and materials were drawn from the 2017 Conference on Gender abuse organised by African Faith and justice Network as well as the policy of the SHCJ African province of Child Rights protection and of course, the ideas from Sr Veronica during her visit. Teachers are on pink top and black; their dress code for the day, mixed with parents in group work. They were so enthusiastic to share real life experiences of sexual abuse and came up with suggestions on how to guard against child abuse (sexual and otherwise) and the way forward. At the end of the day, we named child protection officers for our school.
On 27th March, 2019, we had a very exciting excursion to Ogba Zoological Park in Benin City. Pupils were fascinated seeing in person the animals they watched on National Geographic Wild. We learnt a lot about animal behavioural patterns and drew lessons from them.
18th and 28th March 2019 pupils and staff were introduced to “Basics,” a new Montessori game for learning Maths and English. Pupils and staff loved it and competed keenly.
The climax for the term was the Colour Day celebration.
We celebrated 8 colours namely: Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, White, Purple, Pink and Orange. Indeed, the day was so colourful as the whole venue was arrayed with these colours. Parents, staff and guests belonged to the different Colour groups, thus, they came dressed in their Colour. Pupils were so creative in educating parents and guests on the meaning of each colour through speeches, poems, songs, dances, drama, debates, etc. Pupils presented gifts they made themselves with love to their parents and spoke beautiful words of appreciation. They were full of gestures.
It was really a colourful day. Each colour had fascinating stories and facts to convince she was the best, all these culminated in a Colour drama where at the end they realized that even though each was unique and beautiful, the real beauty is in the Rainbow, in unity and love.
Reflections by Philomena Grimley, SHCJ, Scripture References from Year C Liturgies.
HOLY THURSDAY
We are all guests tonight, but mostly spectators at the enactment of the gospel. Foot washing. How do they do this in your church? Embarrassed volunteers? Each time just one (freshly washed) foot? Multiple laundered towels (for health and safety)? Yet that Last Supper night it was so real, so deliberate, so shocking. The washing of another’s feet was a menial task that could not be required even of the lowliest Jewish slave. But the hour had come. Jesus laying aside his outer garment in humble service is always laying down his life in love. All he asks of us is to receive this love that enables us every day to “Do this in memory of me”.
GOOD FRIDAY
What’s GOOD about it? In other languages it is called: Sorrowful Friday, Silent Friday, Long Friday, Black Friday…..Hour by hour on this day we remember the passion of Jesus: the betrayals, the unjust trials, the grotesque mockery, the journey to Calvary and the utter humiliation of the crucifixion. We do this deliberately, because he is giving each one of us the uttermost proof of his love, God’s love. “No-one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for those whom one loves.” Will you be going forward to touch the cross today and allow yourself to be loved?
HOLY SATURDAY
What’s on your “to do” list today? Last minute shopping for Easter perhaps? Packing to go away over the holiday weekend? Could you make room for a little Sabbath time, a little silence to ponder the mystery of that first waiting? “The women returned and prepared spices…Then they rested on the Sabbath.” Were they wondering what God would do after the agonies of Calvary, the desolation of the hurried burial? What is buried in your heart that cries out for resurrection?
EASTER SUNDAY
The chocolate eggs and the Easter bunnies have been in the shops since January and climate change brought the daffodils out months in advance. But where were you last night? Did you stand in the darkness and witness the new fire? Did you follow and gaze on the wounded and glorious Easter candle, the Light of Christ? Did you hear again the amazing story of the triumph of God’s love over sin and death? Oh, how we need to be set free to celebrate this victory in our broken, wounded, greedy, violent and destructive world! So, “LET HIM EASTER IN US!” (Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ)
May 15, 2019
Carmen M. Chavez, Esq – Executive Director, Casa Cornelia Law Center
Casa Cornelia Law Center is a sponsored ministry by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.
At Casa Cornelia’s 25th Anniversary Celebration last October, Board Chair Deacon Jim Vargas announced an $8.5 million 25th Anniversary Campaign which will conclude in October 2020. Campaign funds will ensure that CCLC continues to be here for those arriving at our border to seek asylum into the next 25 years and beyond. So far, over 75% has been raised, an outstanding $6.5 million!
CCLC was pleased to welcome several foundations as supporters of its good work in 2018. These include Avaaz, California HealthCare Foundation, California Wellness Foundation, Hispanics in Philanthropy, The James Irvine Foundation, and the PWH Educational Foundation.
With significant support from Society of the Holy Child Jesus, the founder of CCLC, we launched our anniversary Campaign. Current and former Board Directors, who are members of the Society, continue to be actively engaged in this effort. To each, we extend our profound gratitude.
With ongoing and enhanced support of CCLC’s mission from a very faithful donor base, CCLC’s visibility has soared. Increasingly, Carmen Chavez’s insight and perspective is requested on legal matters, most especially from area newspaper reporters who call with questions specifically related to border issues. National reporters from Reuters, NPR, and The New York Times seek an on-the-ground perspective on what immigrant and asylum-seeker communities are facing in 2019.
CCLC is called upon to educate others regarding the impact of immigration law and policy on the public good. We are both privileged and honored to share leadership in this national effort and give witness to “justice with compassion.”
12 June, 2019
From the European Province Archives
This notebook of ‘Dates and Events from 1846’ lists key moments in the SHCJ’s early history such as the arrival of five sisters at St Ignatius Convent, Preston in 1853, the landing of six members of the society in New York on 12th August 1862 followed by the opening of the School in Towanda on 12th October and the foundation at Toul in June 1870. The item was recently viewed by a researcher looking into the biographical details of a woman connected to both Pierce Connelly and Cornelia, who briefly lived at Derby before becoming a religious in another order.
As noted on the cover, entries are written both by Cornelia and by MM Theophila Laprimaudaye. Their handwriting is similar. In places it is difficult to be certain of the author of a section of the writing as there are large gaps between the entries which do not necessarily follow each other chronologically. After the lists and descriptions of key events, a later section of the notebook has long entries in what appears to be Cornelia’s hand which include extracts from texts describing the role of a Mother Superior and selecting properties for convents. One entry relating to the instruction of the sisters is titled ‘List of Faults to correct in an Educational Order […]’. This prohibits dragging chairs, elbows on tables at meals and ‘rais[ing] the voice above others’ advising patience until ‘they have finished and then say what is to be said’.
Within the first few pages, Cornelia has jotted down a passage describing how societies and orders need a foundation of ‘Faith & Religious Reverence and the principles of Loyalty’ to ‘last’. A very fitting sentiment to begin this book of the early days of the SHCJ.
The Cherwell Centre also holds a large collection of SHCJ historic objects, including a writing table which belonged to Cornelia. It may possibly be the very desk where – as the cover describes – this notebook was habitually kept. This image shows these two artefacts reunited in what is to become the SHCJ European Province Heritage Room.
19 June, 2019
In a Holy Child exchange program first, three students from Cornelia Connelly School in Anaheim, California, USA traveled to Holy Child Senior High School in Cape Coast, Ghana.
The girls are having an experience of a lifetime. Follow Connelly teacher Mrs. Gloria Kam‘s blog to see their daily adventures.
31 July, 2019
The Guardian (Nigeria) newspaper recently published an article about Holy Child Sister Antoinette Opara. Below is part of the article and a link to the item in full.
“With Violet Oranges in Twilight, Rev. Sr. Antoinette Opara brings hope, valour and vigour to pupils and teenagers in the country who may be going through rough times in their social and academic journey.
Antoinette Opara
The 10-chapter book, formally launched last Sunday, June 23, 2019, is a crisscross narrative of fiction and non-fiction of the 1980’s primary and secondary school days of a middle class Nigerian girl child and her friends. Opara is the administrator of Holy Child College, Ikoyi, and a leadership member of Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ).
The multi-skilled educationist and quintessential woman with admirable track record, through the book, captures the several issues confronting the Nigerian child and teenagers, proffering solutions on how they can navigate and come out stronger. In the book, Opara chronicles her life experiences and perceptions as an adolescent, aligns it with the contemporary realities and presents it in a guide format for young Nigerian students.
The author reveals that the book is a compendium of sort, as it has prose, drama, poetry and essays. She says: ‘I felt I needed to give back to the society what I have received especially from my many years of experience and also as an administrator. The more I encounter students facing challenges in school, the more I felt I should do something like this that will help them get over their challenges’.”
30 July, 2019
This year, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus – American Province celebrated the Jubilees of ten Holy Child Sisters on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Saint Thomas of Villanova Chapel in Rosemont, PA.
70 YEARS
Jeanne Adams, SHCJ
(Mother John Bosco)
Lorraine De Viller, SHCJ
(Mother Mary Donald)
Margaret Rogers, SHCJ
(Mother Mary Cosmas)
Helen Schwarz, SHCJ
(Sister Mary Carl)
Mildred Whall, SHCJ
(Mother Mary Thomas)
60 YEARS
Constance Craig, SHCJ
(Mother Constance Anne)
Sheila McNiff, SHCJ
(Sister Marie Pacis)
Ann-Joyce Peters, SHCJ
(Mother Mary Domina Peters)
Joan Spearing, SHCJ
(Mother Saint Maura)
50 YEARS
Mary Michaud, SHCJ
(Sister Emilia Marie)
17 September, 2019
On 10th August, 2019, three Holy Child Sisters professed their final vows at Church of the Assumption, Falomo in Lagos, Nigeria.
The perpetual profession celebrants were Sr. Abah Blessing, Sr. Felicia Ezeobi and Sr. Stephanie Ugwu. Officiating at the profession was the Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins; Society Leader Veronica Openibo, SHCJ received the vows.
L-R Sr. Stephanie Ugwu, Sr. Virginia Nweke, Sr. Blessing Abah, Sr. Margaret Ogunlade, Sr. Felicia Ezeobi, Sr. Pauline Ibekwe, and Sr. Ann Schulte.
The second part of the celebration was the reception that took place at Holy Child College, Lagos. It was a very colourful event with entertainment. There were special evening prayers where the tertians shared beautiful experiences of 2018/2019 Tertianship that took place in Rome, London and Cape Coast, Ghana.
Both events were transmitted live by Lumen Christi TV, and have subsequently been repeatedly broadcast.
Also celebrating were diamond anniversary (60 years) jubilarian Sr. Ann Schulte, and silver (25 years) jubilarians Sr. Pauline Ibekwe, Sr. Virginia Nweke, and Sr. Margaret Ogunlade.
The opening procession of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region went from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Synod Hall, Oct. 7, 2019. Photo: CNA
Permanent petition for the Amazon Synod at the beginning of each day:
“May the God of life and beauty, the Holy Spirit who
drives us towards more fraternity, unity and dignity, and the
Incarnate Christ of the Good News, and of inculturation and
interculturality give us serenity, discernment
and courage to find new paths for the
Church and for an integral ecology in this Amazon Synod.
All of this for the good and life of their people and
communities, and to walk together in the Kingdom.”
Click on the image below for daily news on the Synod:
16 October, 2019
For anyone who enjoyed the excitement of the Athletics World Championships last month or the amazing performance of 15-year-old tennis star Coco Gauff at Wimbledon over the summer, this particular delve into the European Province archives is on the subject of sport and features a selection of games played at SHCJ schools. Images have been collected from photograph albums and files of SHCJ schools in the European Province and beyond.
The summer brought tennis. Celebratory matches were played at special events such as feast days and there was a regular summer fixture between St Leonards and Mayfield to play for the Challenge Cup as well as school and old girls matches. Pictured to the left are the players of a Challenge Cup match on 28 June 1924 when Mayfield won 9 sets to 3. St Leonards were up against a formidable team; that same year also saw an impressive victory for Mayfield School against Mayfield Ladies Club with a score of 13 sets to 2 (Mayfield Annals, June 1924).
Hockey
During the winter, school teams and visiting old girls battled on the hockey field. The school magazines and house annals record each hockey triumph and defeat with the same detail and enthusiasm as their reports on the tennis. A hockey Challenge Cup match on 7th December 1921, resulted in a draw of three goals on either side. According to the Mayfield annals ‘both sides played very well’, no doubt fortified by the ‘good dinner in the Oak Parlour’ the girls enjoyed beforehand. In 1923, the Mayfield Annals magnanimously acknowledge a ‘great victory’ for St Leonards where they scored six goals to one. The St Leonards Chronicler describes the match taking place on ground which was ‘muddy and very heavy going’. This and other victories were credited to the ‘increased efficiency’ of the St Leonards first eleven as ‘each member of the team had her own ball and devoted two hours a week to individual practice’, resulting in ‘a more formidable team’ (The St Leonards Chronicler, April 1924). The left image is from an album of Mayfield School and shows a game in progress during 1919.
To the right is a very early photo of the St Leonards Hockey team from around 1900. The Interpreter, an early magazine of St Leonards dated December 1900, includes reports of matches with St John’s Ladies College, a goalkeeper’s fate of ‘numbed fingers and a pink nose’ every match after a successful hit across the pitch and an artist’s view of ‘bright and high-spirited girls’ playing on ‘a fine winter’s day’.
Netball
Netball was enjoyed by SHCJ pupils far and wide. In a 1959 album of photographs and handwritten entries from pupils of the Convent Primary School, Calabar, one keen netball player describes the smart blue skirts and yellow blouses worn by her team which can be seen striving for the ball in the image to the left. The young writer likes netball since it is ‘a game for sensible people’.
The Juniors of St Leonards started playing netball in the 1924 to 1925 school year. The pupils were said to find the game ‘great fun’. Inspiration from historic battles such as the Wars of the Roses was taken for team names and captain titles (the St Leonards Chronicler 1925).
The photograph on the right is from a small album of Rosemont College which features images of hockey games, tennis courts and sports teams. Here the 1924 netball team are assembled.
Athletics
The years 1959 – 1960 saw a visit by the Reverend Mother General, Mary Laurentia Dalton, to the African Province as recorded by a photograph album created to celebrate the occasion. In 2005, Brigid Grealy SHCJ recollected helping to organize games and the ‘high standard and national success on the Athletic Field’ held by the Holy Child School, Cape Coast, Ghana.[1] Here we see a proud Reverend Mother surrounded by the student athletes of the same school holding the results of their hard work and talent.
With thanks to Elaine Zajano SHCJ Associate, American Province, for her help to research this article.
[1] Brigid Grealy ‘Happy Memories of Cape Coast Ghana’ in Teresa Okure The Story of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus in Africa 1930 – 2005, Lagos, 2005, P.159.
By Ann Schulte, SHCJ
17th October, 2019 – “Back to School” and Greetings – Holy Child Secondary School, Calabar, Nigeria
“My goodness I did not realize the school was so big!” someone exclaimed as we made our way to the school Assembly ground on 17th October, 2019. We then realized this was the “Back to School” with the Old Girls in their various uniforms according to the years they were in the school, and their school berets. Hence they were at the Assembly together with the present students, who were looking somewhat amazed as the Old Girls were so excited to see each other again, as they met in their different year groups.
“We” were the four SHCJ sisters who had arrived from Lagos. Two were Old Girls, Sr. Irene Ekeng of the 1974 set and Sr. Genevieve Ibedu of the 1999 set. While St. Terry Umana was a former Principal, and Sr. Ann Schulte, represented the two first SHCJ Principals, Mother St. Henry Parker, and Mother Mary Kenneth, as all past Principals were going to be given an award on 19th October. The two SHCJ Old Girls quickly joined their respective sets to the great joy of the other members of the set. Gradually some order was restored, Sr Mary Akinwale, the present Principal, welcomed all present, and the March Past of past and present students began to the accompaniment of a very good school band.
18th October, 2019 – Road Walk
The next day found Old Girls arriving at the school in their sports uniforms and the two Sisters also wore theirs for the Walk and carnival float. The group moved into the road with the present students and band, and visited the Good Samaritan Home giving some gift items to the inmates, who were very grateful and one gave the vote of thanks. Srs. Ann, Terry and Agnes went to greet them on their return through the school gates, and Sr Ann joined the carnival group for a little dance. The smart phones were clicking everywhere! Later all sat down in their groups for some much deserved rest and picnic together.
On this day too, Sr Mary Akinwale took a group of students to the Cathedral for their ”Day with the Archbishop”. After the Mass in the Cathedral, there was a competitive March Past which was won by Holy Child Secondary School to the great joy of all, and in the cultural dancing Holy Child came third, so tired but happy they returned in the evening with the two cups, amidst great rejoicing in the school!
19th October, 2019 – Novelty Football Match
A friendly football match took place between the Old Girls of Marian Hill, and the Old Boys of St. Patrick’s. It ended up 3-3! Though it would seem the umpire missed a few irregularities during the game. However all were happy and enjoyed some refreshments and drinks which they had bought along for the occasion. This was followed by a football match between Holy Child and Sacred Heart school with the “kick off” done by Sr. Ann. Happily for Holy Child, they won 3-2!
The Old Girls then left to get ready for the special Gala Night and giving of awards to all the past Principals which was to take place that evening in The Dome.
Meanwhile some of the Sisters – Srs. Agnes Solomon, Mary Akinwale, Ann Schulte, Elizabeth Okwori and Caroline Mberekpe – went to the Convent of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, who were having the opening Mass for the 7th Chapter of the South Eastern Province, in the original SHCJ chapel. The Bishop con-celebrated with some other priests. The Chapel was full, with the Novices remaining outside, until they brought in their Offertory gifts after the professed had brought their own. We were invited to a meal, passing the beautiful fairly new Provincial House on the way. It was time on our return to take a little rest before the evening Grand Reunion Gala Night.
Meanwhile, the students had not been left out, as Sr Genevieve had taken the opportunity to organize a Seminar for them on “Cornelia Connelly’s Philosophy of Education.” At the end of the Seminar “The Young Cornelians” group was formed, comprising about 66 students.
19th October, 2019 – Part 2: The Gala Night Dinner
Bright lights, a large area filled with people of different ages dressed for the eventful evening, and talking animatedly to their neighbours, greeted Srs. Agnes Solomon, Terry Umana, Genevieve Ibedu and Ann Schulte on their arrival at the Dome Gala Night Dinner. Sr. Irene Ekeng had already been attending some earlier events with the old girls in The Dome. Excited different year groups of Old Girls made their way to the stage for a year group photo, which would be a happy memory of this eventful weekend. Finally all was ready for the first part of the Gala Night.
Special Guests were invited to the “High Table” which was a table at the front of The Dome, some of these included the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Dr. Alex Egbona, Chairman of the occasion, and Chief Engineer Eyo Ita They, or the person representing them, seemed to sit on the left side and the past principals being honoured sat on the right side of the centre aisle. Srs Agnes, Ann and Terry were brought to the front. After the Opening Prayer said by Sr Agnes Solomon, and some opening remarks by the Chairman, a Memorial Lecture was delivered by Prof Anthonia Umoren on “The Girl Child Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” She noted the deplorable situation for many girls in Nigeria today, and said that “The family as the primary unit of socialization must braze up to its responsibility. The school, the government, the church, indeed all hands must be on deck to redeem our girls in particular and the nation at large.”
The Alumni Choir then presented us with some songs, some of which were well known by generations of Old Girls, who joined in. An amazing cultural band of small children then entertained the gathering with great energy and enthusiasm. Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, led in the unveiling of a book, “Marian Hill Legacies” on the Legacies of many past Old Girls, auctioning them for funds for the Alumni Project of the School Infirmary. We were kindly given 3 copies for the Provinces. All this while people were enjoying their Gala Night Dinner as the events were taking place. There was great interest in a playlet, “The Life and Times of Late Mary Arit Effiom,” the first indigenous Principal who took over from Mother Mary Kenneth. Mother St.Henry returned and worked under her and some other Principals, who were all former students at Marian Hill, for some years until she left in 1973. Lady Mary Effiom was known as a strict disciplinarian yet very kind and generous, and many Old Girls present had benefited from her time as Principal.
As the evening wore on it came to the time for the Awarding of the Past Principals. Sr. Ann was the first to be called to be presented with the Award for the Founding Principal, Mother Mary St. Henry Parker and then another Award for Mother Mary Kenneth. In all there were 10 former Principals who were given awards, most of whom were present except for the 3 who had died, apart from the two founding ones, and a family member came up to accept the award on their behalf. This was accompanied by much flashing of cameras by the photographers and of course scores of smart phones recording the event. Sr. Terry Umana was presented with her award, then she collected the one for Sr. Amarachi Nduh, who was unable to be present, and another SHCJ collected the award for Sr. Susan Igele. At the end all the former Principals present were called up to cut the Gala Night cake!
“Thou Art the Light” was sung with great enthusiasm by all present, followed by a closing prayer, which brought to an end a rich and memorable evening.
20thOctober, 2019 – Old Girls Thanksgiving Mass at Calabar Cathedral and Farewell
Sunday 20th October, found us all back again in the Sacred Heart Cathedral for the Thanksgiving Mass at 10. am. This time the Old Girls were wearing a special cloth printed for the occasion, mostly made into elegant long flowing dresses. Sr. Mary Akinwale had been asked to also bring a group of the students from the school for the occasion. As we, Srs Agnes, Ann, Terry, Genevieve and Irene, walked into the Cathedral we saw a sea of blue headdresses of the many Old Girls already seated in the Cathedral!
The Mass was said by Fr. Emmanuel Offiong, who noted that his mother was sitting there among the Old Girls, and that he himself was an Old Boy from St. Patrick’s school. Many Memorial gifts were brought up at the appropriate time, as Thanksgiving for the past and for the present days of celebration. Sr. Genevieve, with the help of the newly inducted “Young Cornelians”, distributed prayer cards with the Prayer for the Beatification of Cornelia Connelly and encouraged the Old Girls to pray through her and for her beatification. Good byes were said, probably with many promises to “keep in touch” with shared emails and phone numbers. This brought to an end a very successful “Grand Reunion of Holy Child Old Girls , Marian Hill, Calabar 17th – 20th October, 2019,” Those who had worked so hard in the different committees must have been relieved that everything seemed to go so well, and that such a number of Old Girls turned up to make it truly a “GRAND REUNION.”
Those of us who boarded the Air Peace plane for Lagos the following day met one or two Old Girls who were very full of the weekend they had just celebrated. One said that it was 40 years since she had last seen some of her classmates. Our two SHCJ Old Girls were also so happy to have been there and met so many of their year group and others they knew.
We pray that the Holy Child will give His blessing to all the past and present students, and those to come in the future, as well as on the school and Administration that was founded in 1953 and has seen so many changes in the Nation and State over the years, as it has worked throughout, to give the Girl Child a good, holistic education for her to play her part in society the church and the family, in her adult life.
2nd Sunday of Advent
On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.
– Isaiah 11
Maybe this week we could look for and spend some silent time with a tree that has been damaged but continues to grow – and ponder…. Gerald May, psychiatrist and theologian, suggests we reconnect with the natural world:
“We have been fractured… broken away from the nature of one another, broken apart from our own nature… We must allow ourselves to be healed…”
Let us begin again as, so often, did Cornelia Connelly.
1st Sunday of Advent
Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths.
– Isaiah 2
Cornelia Connelly once wrote Uphill work requires encouragement. Perhaps as we climb stairs or walk up a slope (even if not a mountain) this week we could pray for those whose preparations to celebrate Christmas – or even to get through each day – seems an uphill struggle.
