The Catholic community of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shagari, Katsina, celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Sister Ann Onome Omoraka, the first Religious Sister from the Katsina Deanery and the first Sister from St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shagari.
The celebration followed Sister Ann’s First Religious Profession, which took place on 29 July 2026 at the Dominican Sisters Novitiate Community in Makurdi, Benue State.
Thanksgiving Mass Celebrates a Historic Vocational Milestone
The Thanksgiving Mass commenced at 8:00 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Kelvin Bello as the Chief Celebrant. He was assisted by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Atado and Rev. Fr. Sylvester Augustine Boka.
The celebration brought together members of the parish community, family members, friends and well-wishers who gathered in large numbers to give thanks to God for Sister Ann’s vocation and to celebrate her courageous response to the call to religious life.
“Leadership That Fears God”
In his homily, titled “Leadership That Fears God,” Rev. Fr. Kelvin Bello reflected on the importance of God-fearing leadership in both the Church and society.
He emphasized that authentic leadership must be rooted in a relationship with God, stressing that “leadership that does not fear God cannot draw men to God.” Reflecting on the second reading, he encouraged Christians, particularly those entrusted with positions of authority, to become good leaders in imitation of Jesus Christ.
The Chief Celebrant identified three essential ways through which a person can grow in the knowledge of God:
Knowing by Association — growing in the knowledge of God through relationships and communion with others.
Knowing by Relation — developing a personal and intimate relationship with God.
Knowing by Encounter — experiencing God personally, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Rev. Fr. Bello stressed that authentic authority must be founded on the fear of God, knowledge of Sacred Scripture and obedience to God’s will.
Families Called to Support Vocations
The homily also provided an opportunity to encourage families in the spiritual formation of their children. Rev. Fr. Bello presented St. Monica as a model of a prayerful and persevering mother.
He urged parents to listen attentively to their children, seek to understand them and, above all, remain committed to praying for them. He emphasized that the spiritual formation and vocation of children require patience, understanding, guidance and prayerful support from their families.
Sister Ann Expresses Gratitude
During the Vote of Thanks, Sister Ann Onome Omoraka expressed profound gratitude to the priests who encouraged and supported her throughout her vocational journey. She also thanked the parishioners for their prayers and encouragement.
She expressed particular appreciation to her parents, especially her father, for allowing her to respond to the call to religious life.
Sister Ann prayed that God would bless everyone who had contributed to her vocational journey and appealed to the faithful to continue praying for her as she grows in her vocation and service to God and the Church.
Parish Community Receives Appreciation
In his closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Bello thanked Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Atado for giving him the opportunity to celebrate the Thanksgiving Mass with the congregation. He also appreciated the parishioners for their continued efforts, support and commitment to the life of the parish.
He prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon the families and businesses of the parishioners.
The Thanksgiving Mass ended at 10:00 a.m.
Diocese Congratulates Sister Ann
On behalf of the Communications Team of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shagari, Katsina, and the Catholic Diocese of Katsina, congratulations are extended to Sister Ann Onome Omoraka on her First Religious Profession and her courageous response to God’s call.
The parish community and the Diocese continue to pray that the Lord will grant her abundant grace, strength, perseverance and fidelity as she continues her journey in religious vocation and service to God and the Church.