Archbishop Okeke expresses gratitude to founders of Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary as they celebrate Centenary of existence

By Ononye VC
The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha was a beehive of activities on Saturday,October 5, 2024, as the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary celebrated the Centenary of their existence with a thanksgiving mass at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke, concelebrated with the Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri Archdiocese,Most Rev Anthony V J Obinna at the mass which attracted many priests,religious and lay faithful including the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential elections,Mr Peter Obi.
While delivering his sermon, Archbishop Okeke expressed joy and thankfulness to God for attainment of the Centenary age by the Missionary Sisters and also expressed gratitude to all the instruments He used to attain the enviable height such as,the Founding Father,the first Bishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Joseph Shanahan and all the administrators.The Archbishop also mentioned the various Mother Generals and the benefactors and benefactresses,both those present and those who have returned to the Lord.
The Archbishop prayed to God to reward them abundantly.
The event featured first religious profession of seven sisters,final religious profession of two sisters and Silver jubilee celebration of three sisters.
The presence of the Congregational leader of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary,Rev Sr Franca Onyibor graced the ocassion.
The Congregation was founded in 1924 by the first Bishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Joseph Ignatius Shanahan.
Meanwhile, Mr Peter Obi last Sunday worshipped with the students of Holy Rosary College in Nsugbe, marking a significant occasion as the Holy Rosary Sisters celebrate 100 years since their foundation by Bishop Joseph Shanahan in 1924. The college at Nsugbe was also celebrating its 10th anniversary. It will be recalled that Obi laid the institution’s foundation in 2013. The event formed part of a series of activities commemorating the centenary of the religious order, renowned for its commitment to education and healthcare apostolates.