Official at Institute of Consecrated Life in Africa Encourages Support for African Vocations amid Global Decline

“We pray that as they succeed, they will also have opportunities to come to InCLA to deepen their lives in the theology of consecrated life. That is our future,” Fr. Okonkwo said.

Reflecting on the reasons for vocation decline in other parts of the world, the InCLA Director said that the call to religious life ultimately comes from God.

“Vocation comes from God. There was a time when Europe had a vocation boom, and now it seems the tables have turned, with Africa experiencing growth. Only God knows why vocations are fewer in Europe now,” Fr. Okonkwo said.

He noted that the wide array of opportunities available in life today might cause some individuals to explore other paths before discerning their religious calling. 

“When there are many opportunities, some people tend to try other things before they can even identify where God is calling them,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said.

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Fr. Okonkwo called for global prayers to support vocations worldwide, acknowledging the role African vocations play in the global Church.

“We continue to pray that God will sustain this vocation boom we have in Africa right now,” he said, adding that the vocations coming from Africa are “not just sustaining the Church here but also in Europe and America.”

“We are hopeful that this growth will encourage the expansion of the Church globally,” he said.

The convocation ceremony marked a milestone for the InCLA, with over 50 students graduating from the institute’s inaugural class. The students were awarded certificates in Basic Theology, Formation of Formators, and Spiritual Direction, and diplomas in Basic Theology.

The 47-year-old Nigerian Catholic Priest expressed his joy at witnessing the institute's first graduating class.

 “It feels like someone who has planted and watered, and for the first time, we are seeing the first fruits of our efforts. We are so grateful,” he said.

The Nigerian member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CMF) invited other religious institutes and apostolic communities to collaborate with InCLA in training their students. 

“We are praying and hopeful that before long, many more institutes will begin to bring their students here for formation,” he said.

One of the graduating students, Sr. Jovia Thomas, shared her gratitude for completing her studies at the institute. 

“I am so happy and grateful to God who has given us life and made this day successful,” Sr. Thomas said, adding, “Indeed, we have been waiting for this day, and it has come to pass. We return all glory to God.”

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She also encouraged young people considering religious life to answer the call with dedication.

“This way of life is the best—a way of serving God in truth and spirit. I encourage anyone who feels called to serve God in religious life to answer that call and be faithful to it,” she said.

Sr. Abraham Geraldine, the best graduating student said, “Today, I am very excited, and I give God all the glory for making this day a reality,” she said, and added, “It means a lot to me because it’s my first time being part of the convocation. My prayer is that God will continue to bless us, and that we, the students, may accomplish our purpose in life and go on to be the light of the world.”

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.