FECAMDS CONVENTION 2024 HOSTED BY FECAMDS ESUT CHAPTER
The FECAMDS 2024 convention tagged “GOLIBE” was hosted by FECAMDS ESUT (Enugu State University of Technology). The event was held at College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu.
The Convention was held for 3days from 15th to 18th of August 2024. The programme of events featured arrival, Holy mass, praise night, Thanksgiving mass, Symposium, Retreat, General Assembly, sports, Dinner night, quiz, debates and Departure.
On the 15th of August, Fecamdsites trooped in their numbers from chapters all-over the nation and were assigned cards and bed spaces, there were over 600 recorded attendees who were attended to swiftly and gracefully. Sadly, a news of the abduction of 2 chapters with their alumna who were on their way to the convention came to the knowledge of FECAMDS Nigeria .This news changed the bubbly atmosphere of the convention ground and made it very solemn .
Fecamdsites were then led to the Chapel for the arrival mass and Fecamdsites actively participated in the mass with the FECAMDS NIGERIA choir dishing heavenly melodies, the altar servers and FECAMDS police all delivering excellently well.
The priest welcomed all the Fecamdsites and wished them a successful and enjoyable Convention, praying for God’s graces upon their lives and for a life changing experience. He also endeared the Fecamdsites to pray, reminding them not to lose hope on the issue of the abducted Fecamdsites, that everything possible is being done to ensure the safe release and rescue of our abducted brothers and sisters;That God won’t abandon his people in their time of need. The National President, Bro. Ige Gabriel addressed the Fecamdsites, assuring them of the efforts made to help their abducted brothers and sisters but nonetheless welcomed them to the 2024 FECAMDS convention and declared the convention open .The LOC from FECAMDS ESUT also addressed the Fecamdsites welcoming them to the convention and promising the very best and at the same time apologising for the unavoidable absence of the chapter executives as they were taking their professional exams.
The Fecamdsites after the energetic and beautiful celebration of mass marched to the dining hall for their dinner and after the satisfying dinner then there was an energetic praise and worship night where the Fecamdsites sang with all their might to God, a marvelous beauty to behold then they retired to their respective rooms.
The 2nd day , 16th of August was welcomed with the sound of a bell coming from none other than the National provost, Bro. Paul (FECAMDS AAU) informing all Fecamdsites to prepare for the exciting day planned . The day started with the Thanksgiving mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Enugu ,Most Rev. Callistus Onaga with the Fecamdsites in their many colorful attires as they marched and danced in Thanksgiving to God for what he has done and for the kidnapping which they had full faith that God had answered their prayers .
All Chapters and National executives after the mass took pictures with the Bishop.
Then Fecamdsites proceeded to the dining hall for their breakfast and well needed rest.
Not long after, Bro.Paul’s Bell was heard again informing all Fecamdsites to come for the Symposium in which doctors, scholars and well learned people spoke on different topics affecting Fecamdsites as students, future doctors and leaders like the issue of IVF in the catholic faith and lots more . It was a very educative Symposium and an interactive one as so many questions were asked and attended to.
From the Symposium, the Fecamdsites went to rest a little before Bro. Paul’s bell rang for an exciting period of sports. The sports and games event took place at the sports arena of the venue which was large and well equipped with race tracks, football pitch, stadium like seats and more. The sports despite the solemn and moody atmosphere due to the abduction was a success as it featured so many events and lifted the hearts of Fecamdsites putting smiles on every one’s faces; both track, field events, board games were explored, bottle flips, rings and all. It was an experience to reminisce.
After the sports, the Fecamdsites went to freshen up to prepare for the very important General Assembly that had to start later that day due to the myriad of activities that happened earlier that day. The Provost, Bro. Paul moderated the Assembly making it a well arranged and orderly meeting of all chapters present, as earlier the rules and regulations were read and adhered to strictly. Different issues were raised and addressed. It was a very interactive and interestingly heated session where multiple topics and issues were addressed. The President then briefed the house on the issue of the abducted members assuring FECAMDS NIGERIA that he and his excos, spiritual director and alumni are doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safe return of the members and the Prayer Secretary informed the members of a fasting and Prayer planned for the next day as the president had earlier cancelled the sightseeing which was scheduled to hold the next day ,Saturday . The Fecamdsites were also asked to maintain a solemn environment and always keep praying for their abducted brothers and sisters. After the general assembly, Fecamdsites went out for a short break and came back to the hall for a period of prayers for their abducted brothers and sisters. Later that night, everyone was led to their rooms as it was time for lights out.
The next day Saturday, began with Bro. Paul’s bell waking the Fecamdsites up and enjoining them to prepare for the retreat that day, the retreat was more of in group study of the word and sharing of understanding of the word in groups. It was a beautiful session where Fecamdsites meditated on the word. The retreat was concluded with the main talk by a Priest, a very educative and spiritually invigorating event indeed. There were prayers before the Fecamdsites went for a break to break their fast before the academic activities of the quiz and debate.
The quiz which was anchored by Bro.Okoyo Roland (FECAMDS AAU) was a very educative, enjoyable and brain teasing experience with Uniilorin emerging as the victor. Then followed with the Debate moderated by Bro.Antonio Anunaso (FECAMDS AE-FUNAI) which was very educative, assertive, thought provoking and enjoyable experience. Of which the opposition side became the Victors on the topic “Religious institutions should not be involved in politics “.
Later that day it was time to rest to prepare for the mass .The departure mass which was shifted forward to enable chapters leave first thing in the morning and avoid any issues.
The mass was beautiful and uplifting followed by a serenade of praise and worship with prayers.
After which the NEC went in for their meeting and decisive selection of leaders while other Fecamdsites went to prepare for the dinner night.
The dinner night was a wonderful experience where chapters were awarded and individual Fecamdsites were awarded too. Different chapters gave presentations and performances that were mind-blowing. The winners of the academic competitons were awarded and the National Academic Secretary was honored by her board with an award for her efforts. The new leaders of the association were presented ,the secretariat couldn’t be given as it was zoned to our abducted brothers and sisters rather the leaders were inaugurated as a care take committe till they were released. The event ended with intercessory prayers and worship committing our brothers and sisters to the hands of God. Then Fecamdsites retired to their beds.
The next day, Different Chapters entered their buses and departed, to the glory of God they all returned safely.
After 11 days of prayers, contributions far and wide and help from law enforcement agents the abducted Fecamdsites were rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
Glory be to God.
FECAMDS!!
IN CHRIST WE HEAL THE SICK!!!!