Friends of Jesus Congregation, a Catholic community initiated by the Priest-in-charge at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown in Barbados, Monsignor Vincent Harcourt Blackett today July 14, 2018 officially received nine students to the community at the Scholastica located at No.55 France’s Okediji Street, Old Bodija, off Awolowo road, Bodija.

Msgr.Vincent Harcourt Blackett while addressing the congregation opined that in missionary works, it takes simplicity, humility and openness to thrive. He encouraged the Brothers to translate their head knowledge to the heart for effectiveness in the ministry.

The founder of Friends of Jesus Congregation said “You are called to serve and not to be served. Jesus affirmed this when he washed the feet of his disciples. The feet are the lowliest part of the body, so Jesus used that to portray the importance of humility in ministry. Simplicity, humility and openness is the key to a successful missionary ministry”.

He admonished the newly received students that they should be willing to adapt to any environment they found themselves as they pursue their missionary careers.

Msgr.Vincent Harcourt Blackett while speaking with CEOAfrica revealed that the vision was birthed last year with the mindset that there will be a time when Nigeria will have to send missionaries across Africa countries to proclaim the gospel. He expressed his gratitude to God who made the dream a reality.

“I had the vision last year that we could train missionaries in Nigeria who will be sent to other parts of African countries to preach the gospel. Thank God for a day like this. We are not stopping here, we’ll keep moving forward to achieve our holistic mission, which is to win souls for the kingdom of God.

“Like I said earlier while addressing the congregation, I encourage the students to be simple, humble and open. From my wealth of experience, it has worked for me and I urge them to imbibe such qualities”

In the same vein, Rev.Msgr.J.K Idowu, the Parish Priest at St.Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, Ibadan while fielding questions from CEOAfrica said “It is good to have Friends of Jesus in Ibadan, it is a welcome development and we promise to support them in all their undertakings. The students should be diligent as regards their trainings”

Sister Margaret Mary, a missionary in Barbados during an interactive session with CEOAfrica disclosed that Catholics members in Barbados are not so many but with the expansion of missionary works, she believes more people will join. She encouraged the newly admitted students to hold on to the faith they have professed.

“Christianity in Barbados is waxing strong but Catholics churches falls under the minority, I believe things will change with time. We will be glad to host the brothers anytime they come visiting,”

The newly received students are John Ikegbeunam, Anthony Olili,Victor Erimnuw, and Henry Uzogwa who took their promises while others include Christopher Okonkwo,Christopher Umukoro,Lawrence Ezemagu,Philip Egbusie and Anthony Nwaogwugwu

According to Msgr.Vincent Harcourt Blackett, the students will be trained in Philosophy and Theology.

Friends of Jesus Congregation was founded on July16, 2017.