By Ononye VC
It was a befitting and rousing event as thousands of members of Marian Societies under the aegis of Marian Societies Council, Archdiocese of Onitsha besieged the Basilica Square,Onitsha during the week to celebrate this year’s “A day with Mary”,a day set aside to specially celebrate,venerate and appreciate the Blessed Virgin Mary,mother of Christ.
Defying the heavy rains,Marian devotees from across the Archdiocese and beyond ensured they fulfilled their spiritual desires and obligations as they besieged a huge statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary positioned at the middle of the Basilica Square to pray and venerate her.
Various uniforms identifying the societies under the Marian Societies Council made the event very colourful.
In his opening remarks before the the Mass,the Onitsha Archdiocesan chaplain of the Marian Council,Rev Fr Victor Ezeanya urged the congregation to participate properly in the Mass and lay their problems before the Blessed Virgin Mary for intercession and inorder to reap full benefits of the spiritual excercise.
In his homily,Rev Fr (Barr) Justin Ileka urged Marian Devotees to be exemplary and emulate the the Blessed Virgin Mary who they came to celebrate.He also urged them to learn to obey God’s Will in their lives as was done by the Virgin Mary as cited in many books of the new testament.According to Fr Ileka,it is always difficult to understand God’s will if we refuse listening to his words.
In his vote of thanks,the Onitsha Regional chaplain of the Marian societies Rev Fr Charles Ohaka,expressed gratitude to Archbishop Valerian Okeke for providing enabling environment for success of the event.
Fr Ohaka also hailed the chaplain of the Marian Societies,Rev Fr Victor Ezeanya and other priests namely,Revs Fr Igboaja,Jude Oboshi,Justin Ileka,Peter Nwando,Victor Adobe,other priests and religious present,for their presence.
A 96 year old priest,Rev Hilary Anisiobi,made some remarks saying that what he witnessed during the event was very impressive and that at his age,if he dies and eventually transits to heaven,he will remember everyone in his prayers.
A talk titled,”Son,they have no wine”,was delivered by bro Paul Mary Oruche.
Officials of the Marian Council present on the ocassion are,the President of the Marian Council, Archdiocese of Onitsha,Bro Donatus Okpala,chairman of the planning committee,Bro Jude Emenalo, and Secretary to the council,Ozioma Theresa Onuora.
