By Olivia Obijiaku
The parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, have been admonished to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose obedience to the will of God, paved was for the salvation of mankind. Making the call at the Mass of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Rev. Fr. Patrick Atama explained that the salvation of man began with the ‘Fiat Yes’ of Mary.
He implored the faithful to submit to the will of God, despite how difficult it may be – like Mary, who defiled all odds to bear the Word Incarnate.
“The story of our salvation will not have started without the Annunciation.” The priest asserted. “Our Christian faith is not complete without the Incarnation. Mary believed God, she surrendered to God. That is why we are Christians today. The Word of God would not have taken flesh without her ‘yes.’”
“How willing are you to say ‘yes’ to God? It was through the ‘yes’ of Mary that humanity regained her salvation. We have to be willing to obey God – no matter the heaviness of the Cross, not for our sake at times, but also for the glory of God and for the sake of those who benefit from our goodness. You are not living for yourself alone, but also for others who depend on you spiritually and psychologically.”
Fr. Atama prayed for the grace to carry the cross and follow Jesus on a daily basis, and to be ready to make sacrifices for the salvation of others.
