By Olivia Obijiaku
The Vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Fegge Onitsha Rev Fr Peter Areh has stated that those who belittle Mary, the Mother of Jesus renounce the salvation that Jesus died to give them. Taking this stand in the parish on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of Africa on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024, the priest asserted Mary’s decision to accept the message of God from Gabriel paved way for the birth of Jesus who died for the salvation of mankind.
He disclosed that she beat all odds to give birth to the Saviour citing her intercessory roles one of which is contained in the day’s Gospel reading in relating some of her outstanding qualities.“Today reminds us of the role which Mary played in our salvation.” The clergyman oriented. “She is the Mother of Jesus our Saviour.
Those who undermine the Blessed Virgin Mary can as well delete their salvation. She played a vital role in our salvation. She accepted the task of giving birth to Jesus. If she had acted as some people would and aborted the pregnancy, there would have been a big problem. But she in her own way accepted to bear even the shame associated with the pregnancy.”“It is in the nature of women to put things in order. It is in that nature of organization that Mary attended the wedding in Cana.
She would have remained indifferent to the situation at the wedding in Cana but she intervened. Mary is a great intercessor. ‘Do whatever He tells you to do,’ is a very important prayer. They did as Virgin Mary told them. This is a commandment to obey the rules and laws of God. This is the first miracle of Jesus.
He said it was not yet His time but He did it because of His Mother. I think He would not have done it for someone else.”Fr Areh told the faithful that the celebration of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Africa ushers in the Month of May, a very special month in honour of the Mother of God.
He encouraged them to seek her maternal assistance for their challenges, in a special way, in the month of May even as he prayed that Mary may intercede for those who are seeking for promotion.
