Today, February 3rd, the Spiritans in Lagos gathered to celebrate Libermann’s Day, an annual event honouring Francis Mary Paul Libermann, the second founder of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). This year’s celebration was hosted by St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ketu Ijanikin, a parish under the pastoral care of Rev. Fr. Modestus Uzoekwe, CSSp, and Fr. Anthony Okorie, CSSp.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Austin Nwodo, CSSp, the Provincial Superior of the Spiritan Southwest Province. Seventeen Spiritan priests attended the Mass, along with members of the parish, led by the Parish Pastoral Council Vice Chairman, Commander Alex Ohabuenyi. Among the attending priests were two visiting Spiritans: Fr. Valentine Eze, CSSp, from the Province of Nigeria Southeast, and Fr. Peter Okwori Benson, CSSp, from the Province of Nigeria Northwest.
However, this annual celebration of the Holy Ghost Fathers, observed every February 2nd worldwide, commemorates the legacy of Francis Mary Paul Libermann (1802–1852). Libermann, originally born into a Jewish family, later converted to Christianity, became a priest, and dedicated his life to missionary work. Despite struggling with poor health, he remained steadfast in his calling, focusing on evangelisation, particularly among African communities and freed slaves.
The homilist, Fr. Patrick Okoro, CSSp, delved into Libermann’s spirituality and mission, highlighting his unwavering faith and deep love for contemplation and union with God. Libermann’s experience of suffering, particularly through illness, shaped his understanding of human struggle as a means of spiritual transformation. He had a profound devotion to the Eucharist and the Cross, seeing them as sources of strength and renewal.
Concluding his homily, Fr. Patrick urged everyone to embrace missionary zeal, not only in words but through concrete actions. The Mass, which began at 10:30 AM, concluded at 12:10 PM, marking yet another spirit-filled celebration of Libermann’s enduring legacy.
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