Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord!

With deep sense of gratitude, we acknowledge with humility the gradual but steady growth of our Chaplaincy. God has walked faithfully with us throughout these years — guiding our steps, strengthening our unity, and blessing us with growth in faith and fellowship.

This notwithstanding, we live unfortunately in a time marked by many challenges: violence and wars, hatred and divisions, fear and discouragement, growing selfishness, and the quiet pain of prayers that seem unanswered. Like the prophet Habakkuk, we cry out to God, “How long?” (cf. Hab 1:2–3). Such questioning is not a sign of weak faith, but of hearts that still dare to hope and trust, even amid uncertainties and difficulties.

 

God’s response to Habakkuk remains our source of strength and hope: “The righteous shall live by faith” (cf. Hab 2:4). We may not always see immediate answers, but God is present and faithful, calling us to trust, to persevere, and to walk and work together. Challenges will always be part of our journey — but so is our strength when keep together. Let us therefore, stand for one another because all of us are affected.

The programmes, activities and events outlined in this Annual Programme are therefore a warm invitation to every member of our Chaplaincy. I encourage all not to see this Programme merely as a schedule of events, but as a shared journey of faith, love and service. Each of us has something to offer — time, talents, commitment, prayer and solidarity. No contribution is too small, and no one is insignificant. Together, we become a home of hope and a family of love — for ourselves, our children and all whom God entrusts to us.

As a Community that is rooted in faith and enriched by diverse cultures, we are called to be bearers of hope, unity, reconciliation and joy. Together, let us choose active participation over indifference, prayer over despair, and trust over fear.

As we continue on our journey of faith, let us do so with confidence, knowing that God has not abandoned us. As the Psalmist says: “Hope in God! I will praise him still, my Savoiur, my God” (cf. Ps 42,11). The Lord who brought us this far will surely see us through these seemingly insurmountable challenges of our time.

In union of prayers for God’s blessing upon all our plans and efforts, I entrust our Chaplaincy and each and every one of you to the maternal intercession of Mary, our dear Mother of mercy. May the Lord bless us, strengthen our faith, and lead us forward together.

I remain yours cordially,

Reverend Father Vitalis Ogochukwu Emesi SMMM