TABOR COMMUNITY

Tabor Carmelite Community is the Novitiate for the Nigerian Vicariate and also for English-speaking African countries. Here, future Carmelites drink from the very rich tradition and spirituality of the Order during the course of their Novitiate year.

Tabor community also offers facilities for retreats. Mt. Horeb and St Joseph’s houses within the community together have accommodation for twenty-four retreatants. The community offers retreats both for groups as well as for individuals. Presently, Tabor Priory with its extensive grounds, which the community has beautifully landscaped over the years, is a frequently used Retreat Centre for many.

The community also has a prison ministry which includes chaplaincy to the local prison. As the priory is near the University of Nigeria, students often join the community for Eucharist and prayer in the Community Chapel which is under the patronage of Jesus Transfigured. A huge number of the faithful also troop into the community every Wednesday and Saturday for the sacrament of Confession, a service to the local Church which the community has long been faithful to.

The Vicariate cemetery is located in this community. Four young Nigerian friars, all of whom, known to the Lord God died in tragic circumstances, lie there: Br Michael Owolabi, Fr Jude Ogbu, Br Stephen Isunuoya and Fr. Richard Aor. Also lying there is Very Rev. Fr Charles Newel, our pioneer priest. May they all rest in peace!