Every disappointment is a blessing in disguise. The Augustinian Order in Nigeria had everything set for the arrival of Cardinal Robert Prevost in July to be present at the ordination of new priests of the Augustinian order. He would not be coming again, not out of disappointment, but divine redirection.

Cardinal Prevost was elected Pope on May 8, 2025, taking the name Pope Leo XIV — the first Augustinian priest to lead the Catholic Church.

According to a Reverend Father and Province Secretary of the Augustinian Province of Nigeria, Emmanuel James Voviyere, members of the order are happy that Prevost is the Pope, but are sad he will not be physically present at the ordination in July, which would have been his tenth visit to Nigeria. “We are happy because he is the Pope, but we are a bit sad, because his election as Pope means that he will not be able to come to Nigeria to ordain our brothers as priests. He was set to come in July for the ordination of our brothers this year.”

A historic moment for the Augustinian Order

His election carries particular weight for members of the Order. “It is significant for us on several levels,” Emmanuel said. “ An Augustinian has become Pope after another religious priest, Pope Francis, who was a Jesuit priest. He has made history because he will be remembered as a Pope and a Pope of the Augustinian order. Although the order has existed for a very long time, it will make the order known by more people globally, which could lead to a rise of young men who want to become Augustinian priests”

Prevost, who has visited Nigeria nine times as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and former Prior General of the Augustinians, is no stranger to the country or its faithful. His connection with Nigeria is personal and profound.

The symbolism of his election, coming at a time when the Order in Nigeria is preparing to ordain new members, underscores the global footprint of a community that has grown from humble beginnings to become a vibrant contributor to education and evangelism across the country.

From Ireland to Nigeria: A journey of faith

The Augustinian Order first arrived in Nigeria in 1938, introduced by Irish missionaries in the then-Adamawa Province in the North-East. The founding friars — Frs. Denis Redmond, Patrick Dalton, Thomas Broder, and later John Power laid the foundation for what would become a strong, locally rooted religious community.

In 1977, Nigeria was granted Vice Province status, and in 2001, it became a Province, the same year Cardinal Prevost assumed office as Prior General. That shared milestone continues to link his legacy with Nigeria’s spiritual growth.

Education, evangelism, and international reach

Today, the Augustinian Province of Nigeria operates 28 houses and serves parishes in major cities such as Lagos, Jos, Benin City, Maiduguri, and Yola. It runs six educational institutions, including the Augustinian Institute of Philosophy in Makurdi, and schools in Nasarawa, Delta, Plateau, and Kaduna States.

Beyond Nigeria, the Order also serves in London, Rome, South Africa, and the Benin Republic, but its heart remains deeply embedded in its Nigerian apostolate.

Emmanuel believes the Pope’s background as a missionary will shape his leadership. “He has always been close to people and their lived experiences. He will be a missionary pope, simple, pastoral, and committed to giving people hope, meaning, and a sense of belonging.”

As Pope Leo XIV begins leading the Catholic Church, the Augustinians in Nigeria take pride in a shared journey that started in the hilly city of Jos and now echoes in the halls of the Vatican. (BusinessDay)