At 10.00pm, I was at St Vincent's Church, Ogbunike. As usual, we had a rosary procession round the field. This was followed by the holy Mass in the Church. It was a "CROSS-OVER NIGHT" event. The Church of St Vincent was full to its maximus capacity. Solemn Eucharistic celebration, graced by the presence Fr Hilary Anisiobi, Fr John Chukwuemeka Anyaegbunam, and Fr Augustine Ogbunuko (Parish Priest). Before the final blessing, I congratulated Fr Anyaegbunam, who celebrated his Silver Jubilee in 2021. The Church Community chanted Ibu Ukochukwu ebebe and applauded him "Congratulations to you." Fr Anisiobi (aged 95) gave his usual New Year Greetings: Unu ncha ga ejegbado Enuigwe ooo. Thunderous applause from the people.
          At the end of the Mass, from the Church we proceeded to the site of the new convent, built by an anonymous donor. This becomes the first official convent for Sisters in Ogbunike. Chukwu, biko gozie ezinaulo ahu! With the following words I blessed the convent:
     O God, your continuous work begets in us every measure of desire and achievement. We bless you for setting our hearts on heaven during our pilgrim days on earth. Grant to your servants who will live in this house these blessing: to listen to you in faith, to speak to you in prayer, to seek only you in their work, find you in all they do, to become witnesses to the Gospel. Through them spread the good aroma of Christ everywhere, until the day they rejoice in the revelation of his glory, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.
     Lord Jesus Christ, you promised to prepare a home in heaven for those who follow the evangelical counsels. Surround this residence with the wall of your protection. Grant that all who live here may preserve the bond of mutual love. Make them generous servants to you and to their neighbour, living signs and messengers of the Gospel, who will spread the Christian way of life. For you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessing of the First Sisters' Convent in Ogbunike