(ANS - Ijebu-Ode) - The Salesian missionary presence in the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria, is experiencing a very rich and hope-filled period from a Salesian point of view. Trusting in Divine Providence and with the help of benefactors, the Salesians are planning to open a vocational school for the benefit of local youth. We publish here a report by Fr Italo Spagnolo SDB, the priest in charge of the mission.

Here too we celebrated Don Bosco in a solemn manner in our little village. We were joined by the youth and people of the area.  Even the bishop came in the evening and enjoyed our songs, sketches and a bit of dinner!

Everything is going well, thank God. We are gradually getting involved in the activities of the diocese with our apostolate for the young, while we are taking the first steps towards the project of a much needed vocational school.

The bulldozer did its work in December with the hot sun beating down! At the beginning of February we marked out the property of 4.119 hectares. It is beautiful piece of land and it is good to see it!  Some say it is not big enough for a technical school. We will see! We are planning two-storey classrooms, a hostel and also a residence for the community.

While we hope for some generous benefactors, we are going ahead with great confidence. In the meantime, we are not leaving the land idle.  We have dug a well, ploughed a few acres and began to sow. The first rains have begun and we are told that, if all goes well, the corn we plant now will be ready for harvesting in three months’ time.

Meanwhile, our nation is going through a period of uncertainty and difficulty from many points of view. There is much insecurity especially in the North-East. The inefficiency of the Electoral Commission has led to the elections being postponed for six weeks from the time already set for 15 February. We accompany events with trepidation, prayer and hope, trusting that, as in other similar circumstances, everything will be resolved for the best.

Thank God, my health is excellent. I am experiencing a period of many spiritual graces, rich in deep inner joy and everything Salesian. Join me in giving thanks to the Lord.

Published 24/02/2015