Catholics have been asked to make maximum use of the moment of consecration which is a time to meet with Jesus at Mass, to bring their personal and private intentions and tell Him their individual concerns. The charge was given by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, while delivering the homily at Mass for the 2024 solemn admission of members of the Association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, held recently at Jakande Mini Stadium, Jakande Estate, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins reminded the people that the Mass is a communal prayer that affords them an everyday opportunity to raise their hearts and minds to God in that personal moment of consecration. “When Jesus comes down on the altar in the form of bread and wine in the Holy Eucharist, it is a personal moment for you that you should take advantage to bring before Him the concerns that you have as individual”, he said. The Archbishop urged the members to teach their children about the faith, as he reminded them of their duty to call the young ones to prayer, activities in the Church, and faith action. According to him, “What you give your children when they are young, particularly in regards to the faith, they do not forget; they never leave them completely. Therefore, I encourage you as you gather today, to make it a point of duty as members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, to call your children to prayer.
Let this be an occasion to make that resolution. Congratulating the people, Archbishop Martins said the grace of God is alive that more people, including the young ones recognise the importance of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. On the graces and promises the Lord made to devotees to His Sacred Heart, he urged them to do their best to fulfil the condition that have been given to receive the promises. “You will receive the graces needed for your state of life that will lead you to holiness of life and the joy of heaven if you have devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and immaculate Heart of Mary”, he assured. Also speaking on the occasion, Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Mayaki, ADC Spiritual Director said that prayers are needed now more than ever in Nigeria, as he prayed that the Sacred Heart of Jesus may always be a refuge for the people amid the storms and disappointments, they face in the country.
For Mr. Blaise Folley, ADC President, urged the people to intensify their prayers to overcome evils in the country as we have witnessed the killings of Catholic priests, religious and lay faithful in the north. Urging the members to hold on to God always, he assured them of the abiding presence of God who is the foundation of the association, and the fulfillment of His promises. Over 600 people were admitted as members and associate members of the association.
