December, historically the tenth month of the ancient calendar, holds a special place worldwide as the year's culmination—a period for reflection, reunions, and the joyous anticipation of Christmas. It's a time when offices close, journeys are undertaken, and gifts are exchanged, rekindling connections dimmed by distance. At the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), December transcends mere festivity; it becomes a reservoir of anniversaries, milestones, and communal joy.

This December at CIWA has been particularly noteworthy. In addition to hosting the inaugural Professorial Lecture on December 6, the month aligns with the anniversaries of eight of its approximately 42 academic staff members.

On December 14, while the world awaited the mythical arrival of Father Christmas, CIWA celebrated a different kind of joy—the birthday of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Danjuma Uchu. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers and greetings from colleagues, Fr. Uchu, a renowned liturgist, remarked:

*"Good evening, House. I thank you immensely for the shower of prayers upon me on this special day of my birth. May God keep blessing us in this journey of life. Remain ever blessed."*

The celebrations continued the following day, December 15, with the birthday of Sr. Dr. Elizabeth Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA, the Subdean of Student Affairs. A torrent of well-wishes poured in for the esteemed religious sister, known for her motherly heart. Sr. Judith Ngihbi, a staff member from Cameroon, expressed her sentiments:

*"Happy birthday, dear Sister. As you jubilate another year of life and service, I wish you a birthday filled with hope, strength, and an in-depth connection to God’s divine plan."*

On December 17, the academic family marked the birthday of Fr. Dr. Hilary Okeke. Announced by Fr. Dr. Victor Usman Jamahh, the news sparked a wave of goodwill. At the day’s close, Fr. Okeke expressed heartfelt gratitude:

*"Very Rev. Fr. Rector, distinguished professors, and respected lecturers, may I sincerely express my joy and gratitude for your prayers and good wishes as I mark my birthday. Thank you, and God bless."*

The crescendo of celebrations peaked on December 20, a day of dual significance. Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, CIWA’s Rector, celebrated 38 years of priestly ministry, while Rev. Fr. Prof. Inaku Egere, the season’s inaugural lecturer, marked the golden jubilee of his birth. In his message to the Rector, Fr. Jamahh conveyed the sentiments of the CIWA family:

*"The Welfare Committee, on behalf of the entire staff and students of the institute, wishes Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Abidemi Asanbe, our Rector Magnificus, God's blessings, grace, and peace as he celebrates 38 years of fruitful service in the Lord's vineyard. We pray for more grace, good health, and wisdom as he continues to lead the institute to greater heights."*

In response, the Rector shared his appreciation:

*"Venerable brother Professors, distinguished Senior Lecturers, and Lecturers, I express my deepest sentiment of gratitude to you all for your gracious words on my sacerdotal anniversary. God bless you all and the entire CIWA family. Spare a thought for our brother, the inaugural lecturer of the season, for sharing the day with me—happy birthday, Fr. Ken."*

It’s worth noting that Fr. Asanbe’s own birthday falls on September 26, while his feast day, the feast of St. Jude, is celebrated on October 28—dates that the CIWA family holds dear. On the same note of gratitude, Fr. Prof. Egere wrote:

*"Our revered Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Asanbe, distinguished Professors, highly esteemed Senior Lecturers, and very respected Colleagues, thank you for uniquely celebrating me yesterday with your phone calls, text messages, and birthday prayerful wishes. You all made me feel special and loved with your kind words laced with blessings. May you at different times be celebrated much more than you would ever imagine. Thank you, and God bless."*

While the celebrations seemed poised to pause for Christmas, December 24 brought another joyous occasion—the birthdays of Rev. Fr. Dr. Justin Temswang, the Subdean of Student Affairs, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Nwannabuike Anioke. Fr. Justin stands out with his multilingual appreciation piece:

*"Rettore Magnifico, Distinguished Professors, My Esteemed Superiors, and Vibrant Colleagues, I must confess that I'm highly favoured to have been showered with such unending blessings, love, care, and concern on the occasion of my birthday. I've never regretted being a member of this noble family and will ever cherish such a memory for the rest of my life. To my elder brother and birthday mate, Fr. Dr. Jacob Anioke, I say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU and congratulations, wishing you many more years ahead. Da'alu o Ese kukpo Nagode Grazie mile A nopnai Henshin goedong Mafeng pyat Compliment of the season to you and yours."*

As the institute prepared for Christmas, attention also turned to Sr. Natalia Ajayi, IHM, whose feast day falls on December 25, the birthday of the Great King. Sr. Ajayi’s August 28 birthday (on the feast of St. Augustine) adds a layer of symbolic connection to her life of service.

Finally, December closes as it began—with a celebration. Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie, who opened the festive season with his November 1 birthday (Solemnity of All Saints), will conclude the year by marking his priestly ordination anniversary on December 29.

This is life in CIWA. For those outside, CIWA might seem like an enclave for priests and religious. To many Catholics, it is simply a hub for postgraduate studies. For those nearby, it may appear as a bastion of academic rigour. Yet for those within, CIWA is a vibrant community, where intellectual pursuit intertwines seamlessly with spiritual growth and heartfelt camaraderie.   The motto remains "semper Agens Semper Quietus"

In December, this life finds its fullest expression—a reminder that CIWA is not merely an institute but a family, bound by faith, knowledge, and shared moments of grace.