14th SIST MISSIOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM

The long awaited symposium formally opened  today 23rd March, 2011 It began with a concelebrated Holy Mass presided by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, the archbishop of Benin archdiocese. Participants from different parts of Africa and America were in attendance. The likes of Prof. Bradford Hinze(Forsham Ubiversity, Bronx, New York), Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ezewudo C.S.Sp (former Provincial, Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, Province of Nigeria, now working in Central Africa), Mother Chukwuelota DDL (Mother General of Daughters of Divine Love), Rev. Fr. Prof. T. M. Illesani (Emeritus Professor of Orature & Literature, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife), Barr. Mrs. Amaka F. Ikwechegh (Ex First Lady of Imo State) Mrs Martha Osaji (Permanent Secretary, Post Primary Education Board Asaba, Delta State).

In his homily, the Archbishop-elect of Benin archdiocese remarked that the call to discipleship is the call to serve not to be served. The devil knows that by being at the service of others we get holistic fulfilment. That is why he instigates inordinate quest for power in men and women not the desire to serve. He commended the Staff and Students of SIST for organising this symposium because through it we serve the people by educating them.

At the end of the Holy Mass, the symposium properly began at the school auditorium.  The key note address, based on the central theme of the symposium: Spirits: Occultism, Principalities and Powers was delivered by Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze. In this key note address, He submit that the devil is real and he is cunning and wise. He has power to influence human activities and corrupt them. But thanks be to Our Lord Jesus Christ who defeated him and taught us that the devil and all his hosts can be defeated through a life of holiness, constant prayer and faithful use of the sacraments as well as total reliance on divine providence and protection in our struggles with the powers of darkness. Shortly before this, the assembly was welcomed by the Rector of SIST, Very Rev. Fr. Greg. Olikenyi C.S.Sp. through the presentation of  kola nuts which is a key symbol hospitality and  welcome in Africa.

After the break for launch, the symposium continued. Two key papers were presented namely: The African Worldview as Conducive Environment for the Manifestation of Spiritual Forces and Powers  by Rev. Fr. Prof. Thomas Makanjuola Ilesanmi, Witchcraft Beliefs and Practices: A Socio-Anthropological Discourse on Man, Religion, Church and Society by Prof. J. O. Charles and Psychological Explanation of Occult Phenomena by Prof. Peter Ebigbo, Ph. D, NNOM

The night session started shortly after super. A paper was presented on Witch-craft, Spiritism and Occultism as Challenges to the Christian Faith by Rev. Fr. Dr Raymond Arazu C.S.Sp