J ust as Nigeria celebrated her 62nd Independence Anniversary not too long ago, which also coincided with the Solemnity of Our Mother Mary, Queen of Nigeria, the church in Nigeria marked the event with Rosary Precessions, Mass and other religious activities to rededicate, what observers described as a sickening country, to the maternal care of Mother Mary, Queen of Sorrows. The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos was not left out, just as it lined up activities to mark the day, down to the parish and station levels. At St. Cyprian Catholic Church, OkoOba, Agege, Lagos, recently witnessed a large turnout of parishioners who joined in the Rosary Precession around the Church to mark the month of October devotion dedicated to Mother Mary, Queen of Nigeria. The Mass and prayer intentions with candle light climaxed the celebration. Led by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Fasuyi, all fervently prayed for Nigeria in distress, acknowledging her sins, and asking for wisdom to guide the conduct of our leaders and the followers alike. In his words: “Today the Church pray for an end to blood shedding, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other vices. All of us must work for peace and reconciliation”, he submitted.
Buttressing his call for change of heart among rulers and those in positions of authority, Fr. Fasuyi prayed for wisdom as the foremost virtue to take control, even as clearly stated in the book of Isaiah Chapter 11 verse 1-10: “The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new King will arise from among David’s descendants. The spirit of the Lord will give him wisdom, and the knowledge and skill to rule his people…” Earlier on, the Homilist, Rev. Jude Akpobasa OP prayed that wisdom and knowledge return to our individual homes and communities, to enable the people to discern between what is good and that which is evil, and strive to seek wisdom as Solomon did. He insisted that as Nigeria inches toward attaining the age of 70, the age of maturity and perfection, the country would come out stronger, advising that the citizens should look forward to a better Nigeria , despite the prevailing economic and political crises that appear to weigh her down. Catholic Archbishops in Nigeria had on October 1, 1960, soon after Nigeria gained her independence from Britain, consecrated the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. October 1, every year, and in fact, throughout the entire month, the Church in Nigeria reunites or rededicates the country and her challenges to the care of Mother Mary, Queen of Nigeria, through prayers and other religious observances.
