PRO LABORE DEI (For the Labour of God)

'we shall serve'

CONSECRATION OF SISTER ROSEMARY NWANNE OKOTCHA ON THE 23^rd DAY OF APRIL 2003 AT THE COAL CITY OF ENUGU TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER, SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

A mid gladness and joy, we witnessed for the first time, the consecration of Sister of Pro Labore Dei to the Order of Virgins by Most Rev. (Dr.) A. O. Gbuji, the Bishop of Enugu Diocese. She is the first of the young sisters to be so consecrated and has joined Sr. Stella-Maris herself who has been consecrated to that order since 1993.

The ceremony was well attended by all the branches of Pro Lahore Dei in Nigeria, Sister Rosemary's mother and relatives, Support Group from Asaba, some clergy from Enugu Diocese and the Chief Coordinator of Pro Labore Dei, Sr. Stella-Maris. Among the clergy present were: Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Chibuko the Parish Priest, Queen of the Holy Rosary, Emene-Enugu, Rev. Fr. Franklin Eze, the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwaoka, Rev. Bro. Michael Odenigwe and Sr. Lucy Ohadomere.

Our father, Most Rev. (Dr.) A. O. Gbuji started by asking "who is a virgin? One who has not known a man. " He then went further to educate us on this special "Order of Virgins".

This consecration is not a profession. It is a call by God asking Rosemary to come and follow and consecrate herself to Him in a special way better than what she did at baptism.

According to His Lordship, a state of virginity is not for all except those who are called. It is a consecration to a state of chastity and purity. It is a call whereby one belongs perfectly to God alone and no more to the world. Things of the world are no more for her; i.e. jewellery, make-up and other adornments are things of the past for" one
consecrated to Christ.

The one who is consecrated to Christ is forever blessed by God. For the people of the world, this
is an impossible task but with God all is possible. Here we are dealing with the supernatural and it is
not an easy task. So, we should pray for Rosemary so that she will persevere. She is
walking on an uneasy road but only the Lord God will see her through. For one in this Order, when
in difficulty, call on the Lord and He will answer you fast. You have given out yourself and all that you have, so, He is your only power.

The Order is not common and not new. Mother Mary was a consecrated virgin before the Angel of the Lord come to her. So, she was a consecrated Virgin and a Mother.

Our Lord Bishop announced that Rosemary has invited Jesus to come and dine with us. According to him, she did this as she puts food on the table for destitutes. He called Pro Lahore Dei "the Ministry of God".He further explained that the Ministry of God is the Ministry of Love because God is Love.

He finally prayed that God will be with Sister Rosemary all the time and that she will never go weary. Lastly, Sr. Rosemary was advised to pray and listen to God so that He will accompany her both in the scriptures and in the work of God.

Mrs.. Christie Akako Member

Consecration Ceremony in picture