By Nna Anulumadu
Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy DMMM Regional House, Obosi, was filled with excitement last Sunday, September 8, 2024 as the Archbishop of Onitsha His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke paid a visit and celebrated Blessed Mother Mary’s birthday with DMMM sisters.
The spectacular event witnessed the blessing and commissioning of a new magnificent grotto built at the regional house premises and donated to DMMM congregation by Senator Sir Victor Umeh ( Senator representing Anambra central senatorial district).
In his Homily during the Holy Mass that kick started the event, Archbishop Okeke charged christians to follow Christ in truth and in Spirit, adding that whenever we put our trust in God, we won’t be afraid of evil people since God will not relent in fighting for us. The prelate also advised Christians to embrace our blessed mother Mary by saying the rosary everyday, assuring that once we fly to the patronage of our Mother Mary, she will never let us down through her effective and reliable intercession.
The Prelate, who later blessed the Grotto, stated that Sen. Umeh had continued to use God’s blessings on him to put smiles on people’s faces. He thanked the senator for his generosity and support to the Church and asked the faithful to use the Grotto to renew their faith and to draw closer to Christ in prayer.
Senator Umeh who spoke at the event shortly after the Mass said his decision to build the grotto was motivated by so many assistance Mother Mary has rendered to his life and to his family, recalling that his last victory at tribunal was possible through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He described the occasion as a day of thanksgiving. He explained that the best way he could appreciate Blessed Virgin Mary for Her love and kindness to him and his family was to build a Marian Grotto as requested by DMMM.
The Onitsha regional Superior DMMM Rev. Sr Dr Mary JanePatrick Okolie in her remarks during the event expressed unalloyed gratitude to God for granting them the privilege of erecting a Grotto for His mother.
Her words” We also are deeply indebted to our father in faith, the Archbishop of Onitsha, for coming in person, despite his very busy schedule, to bless this magnificent grotto built in honour of our Mother of Mercy. Archbishop Val is a father true to his word and his commitment to love and progress. We thank him immensely. We thank our Superior General Mother Trinitas Obianika, her councillors, and all the daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, especially those in the Onitsha Region.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the special son of Mother Mary (and his family), Sen. Sir Victor Umeh, KSJI, KSS, OFR, who magnanimously and seamlessly sponsored the building of this edifice. His love for our Mother Mary is so profound. We also thank every other person who contributed in their different ways to the building of our grotto.
Mother Mary is the highest honour of our race, and nothing done in her honour goes unrewarded. We pray that God will exceedingly bless and reward everyone who contributed to making this grotto a reality. May all who pray in this grotto obtain whatever favour they ask of God through his mother, the Mother of Mercy.”
