The Official Visitation to Nigeria took place from 24 to 28 March 2010. The Vicar General, Fr. Zenon Hanas and the General Consulter, Fr. Gilberto Orsolin visited the Pallottine local community in Mbaukwu in the diocese of Awka where there is a house of formation for the Pallottine candidates from Nigeria. At the moment 11 postulants live there together with the Rector of the house, Fr. Peter Hillen from Germany, Fr. Sostene Abolo from Cameroun and Deacon John Ndidi Nwaocha from Nigeria.
During the visit the place for the new house of formation was blessed. Also the 25th Jubilee of the presence and work of Fr. Hillen in Africa was commemorated.
There are more than 30 students from Nigeria who study Philosophy and Theology in Pallottine houses of formation in South Africa, Rwanda and Cameroon.
As the local community in Nigeria is part of the Cameroonian – Nigerian Region of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Bruno Ateba, the Regional Rector was present during the entire visit. After the visit in Mbaukwu, the visitors went to Cameroon to meet with the Regional Council in Yaoundé. During their presence from 29 March till 6 April they visited also some communities of the Most Holy Trinity Region and of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters. On 31 March 2010, the new house for Postulancy in Doumè was solemnly blessed by bishop Jan Ozga.
The time of the official visit coincided with the celebration of the Holy Week. The vibrant and dynamic liturgy was always a visible sign of the profound faith and hope which come from the Resurrection of the Lord. PHOTO