“To celebrate is to remember, and to remember is to give thanks. This memory is a praise to God because he has been good, he has taken care of me, he has responded to this sinful creature, but who loves him and who tries to serve his people with love and respect. 
Today I want to renew my commitment of service in the midst of your people”.Joseph Shonibare, OAR, during his homily at the celebration of his 25th anniversary as an Augustinian Recollect priest.
The celebration took place on October 9, 2024 at the Parish of Our Lady of Charity, Banes, Holguin, Cuba. Msgr. Emilio Arranguren, Bishop of the Diocese of Holguin, thanked Fr. Joseph for his dedication and commitment. He also emphasized: “The mission really unites us…”. Msgr. Arranguren took the opportunity to thank the presence of several religious from different countries who collaborate in his diocese. The ceremony was attended by priests, religious and lay faithful.
F
r. Joseph belongs to the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentino. He was previously assigned to parishes in England (London and Devon), was a missionary in Sierra Leone, Africa, and in the Amazon, Brazil (Manaus and Pauini). He is currently the Prior of the Recollects in Cuba, where he shares community with Friar Julian Vallejo, OAR (from the Province of St. Thomas), Friar Marco Marte, OAR (from the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria), and Friar Jhoben Rodriguez, OAR (from the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno).