By Regina Adaobi Aforgu
Christians in Anambra State on Sept. 8, joined Catholics worldwide to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorating the birth of the mother of Jesus Christ.
The celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Enekwaspumu, in Idemili South Local Government Area, featured Mass, a rosary procession, hymns and reflections on the life and virtues of Mary.
The Vicar, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Jideofor, who spoke during the celebration, said the feast reminded Christians that God could prepare people for their missions long before they were called to fulfil them.
Jideofor said Mary’s birth, celebrated on Sept. 8, was significant to Christians because she later became the mother of Jesus Christ, and the Saviour of the world.
He urged the faithful to emulate Mary’s humility, obedience to God’s will, purity, compassion and trust in God, describing her acceptance of the divine call as an example of faith and service.
“Mary’s ‘yes’ to the angel changed history. We too are called to say yes to God daily,” he said.
The priest also reflected on Mary’s place in Christian faith, citing John 19:27, in which Jesus, while on the cross, entrusted His mother to His disciple, saying, “Behold your mother.”
He encouraged Christians to seek Mary’s intercession in times of difficulty, recalling her role at the wedding in Cana and urging the faithful to entrust their challenges to God.
The celebration also featured prayers, songs and presentations by children, women’s groups, the Queen of All Hearts and parish choirs in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Prayers were offered for peace, unity and progress in Anambra and Nigeria, while families were consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with parents praying for their children to grow in faith and character.
The celebration also served as an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on the importance of humility, obedience and service in Christian life, with speakers urging them to put these virtues into practice in their daily lives.
Regina Adaobi Aforgu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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