The Founder – Sr Mariamunachimsoaga Unoaku Egbeigwe
The congregation of the Vocational Sisters of Mary, Mother of Divine Graces is a religious institution of women. It was founded in Nigeria on 8th December 2023 by Sr Mariamunachimsoaga Unoaku Egbeigwe MSMMG.
About the Congregation
Stages of Formation
The Congregation accepts into an associate relationship, as aspirants, young women who are giving serious consideration to dedicating themselves to God in the religious life.
The purpose of the aspirancy is to allow women to complete their basic intellectual training in circumstances that assure solid understanding of Christian faith and Christian living, and that allow them to make informed decision for or against embracing the religious life.
The aspirancy programme provides a firm grounding in Christian doctrine, in some elementary training in prayer, and an experience of community living, it is directed as to lay women. It accordingly permits the aspirant the freedom of movement and decision appropriate to young women of their age.
Candidates who so wish, and who are regarded as suitable, may be admitted to pre-novitiate course. The purpose of pre-novitiate course is to provide a gradual spiritual and psychological adjustment of the candidate in developing the human and emotional maturity needed for a truly free and responsible decision to enter into novitiate; and to give both the candidate and the congregation an opportunity to appraise her aptitude for membership. The candidate will be under the direction of a mature sister appointed by the Superior General.
“For effective formation of candidates, the Age Limit of 18-25 years for candidates with O’Level and 30 -35years of age for Degree holders is maintained.”
After the postulancy, the candidates are admitted to the Novitiate. The candidates should be healthy, give evidence of aptitude, maturity and a generous desire to the life of the evangelical counsels.
At the end of the Novitiate, the Superior General, with the consent of her council, admits novices who request it, to temporal profession of vows.
Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience are made for a period of one year and may be renewed two times for one year and for further three years. During this period, the tempoary professd sisters will live in community and continue to discern God’s call in her life.
For valid admission to temporary profession in the Vocational Sisters of Mary, Mother of all Graces Congregation, novices must have reached 20-21years.
After a period of 3-4years years in temporary vows and following a period of preparation and prayerful discernment, a sister can apply to make her final vows to the Vocational Sisters of Mary, Mother of Divine Graces Congregation.
Throughout their lives, sisters shall labour earnestly to perfect their spiritual and doctrinal, as well as their professional development. Periodic lectures, seminars, and study weeks directed toward renewal of spirit shall be provided.