By Missionary Newspaper in Warri,
WARRI, NIGERIA:- MOST Rev. Dami Mamzi of Catholic diocese of Yola, in Adamawa State, has lauded the immense support of the Religious Sisters of Mercy Ireland disclosing that the successes recorded at the St. Theresa’s IDP camp came through the support of the sisters.
Speaking at the St. Theresa Cathedral, Jimeta during the thanksgiving Mass he officiated on Monday, November 26 during the official closing of the apostolate of the Religious Sisters of Mercy in the diocese, the bishop attributed the success to the hard work, commitment and selflessness of the sisters.
In a gospel reading from Matthew 11:30, the bishop said it is sad to know Sisters Gorathy, Powla and Agnes who came to Nigeria, (Yola diocese) from Ireland in October 1969, about 49 years ago, are living.
Bishop Dami noted that the Sisters of Mercy has served the church and people of Yola diocese faithfully through the impactation of knowledge on both the young and old. Most Rev. Dami further revealed that the Religious Sisters founded Saint Theresa CRI school which has become a model school for Yola diocese and which has also taught several persons skills such as tailoring, fisheries, farming, knitting, Computer appreciation among others in order to make them self reliant.
He prayed the Lord to grant them reward for their labour as the church cannot reward them for their selfless service of 49 years. He assured the religious of his readiness to sustained and protect the legacy they left behind as he recalled his first encounter with the Sisters of Mercy when he was still at Saint Peter Minor Seminary, and that the religious announced to sponsor their pilgrimage to holy site of any country of their choice.
Responding on behalf of the four Mercy Sisters, Reverend Sister Gorathy thanked the people of Yola diocese and Bishop Dami Mamza for their hospitality, love and support to them throughout this years saying it is their hope and prayers the friendship will be maintained.
She said, that they are so proud that their mission work to Nigeria is successful, stating that in the 49 years they spent in Nigeria, they have learn the culture, tradition and were been taught how to be patient and tolerance with one another.
She urged the bishop to continue the work of mission from where they have stopped, calling for prayers as they go back to their country. She also prayed God to bless bishop Mamza to continued to flourished in grace.
Highlight of the ceremony was brief reception in honor of the four Reverend Sisters of Mercy followed by cultural dance by chamba people, Laka, Bachama and Higgie dancers while gifts were also presented to the outgoing sisters.