By Sunny A. David, Awka
Christians have been urged to imbibe the virtues of honesty, simplicity and humility as exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Speaking to newsmen on the significance of the birthday of Virgin Mary, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, described the birthday celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary as unique.
He called on Christians to understand the purpose of their creation by God and work according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit in order to make heaven.
Bishop Ezeokafor who said that Mother Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ without sin, pointing out that Jesus Christ came to the world as human to reconcile God and Man.
The Bishop called on Christians to jettison acts capable of debasing Christianity.
Meanwhile, special masses were held Saturday to commemorate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ.
At Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Chaplaincy, Awka, Catholic Faithful were seen gorgeously adorned with various Virgin Mary clothes, sang praises to Mother Mary and dance to add colour to the event.
In a Homily during the Mass, a resident priest at the chaplaincy Reverend Father Benson Ucheonye said that Mother Mary is the Mother of all Christians, who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
…World Apostolate of Fatima Blue Army celebrates Virgin Mary birthday too
Also, the World Apostolate of Fatima -Blue Army joined in celebrating the birthday of Blessed Virgin Mary.
The group which is a pious society in the Catholic Church, founded on prayers, seeks to demonstrate that which the Blessed Virgin did at Fatima in praying out the world from all manner of sins.
The Blue Army which also had their Diocesan Conference deliberated on the ten virtues of Blessed Virgin Mary, attracted members from all the Catholic Parishes in Awka diocese.
Delivering a Homily at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church Enugukwu during the birthday celebration, the World Apostolate of Fatima Chaplain, Awka Diocese, Reverend Father Michael Obi said that the story of the birth of Virgin Mary is calling to mind the role Mary played in salvation history.
He disclosed that the church learn submission in emulating Mary in her obedience to God, stating that when God invites them to any work they accept it whole heartedly just as Mary did.
Contributing, Reverend Sister Mary -Raphael Okeke, a member of the group said that God hid good virtues In Virgin Mary’s life which calls for the visitation of the angels, encouraging the members to be steadfast as God will reward all the good deeds.
Another member of the Blue Army, Brother Godwin Okafor, said their sole aim is to restore morals and sanity to the world through prayers.
Recitation of the rosary prayers, and decoration of flowers to the Virgin Mary’s grotto with flowers formed the highlights of the program.
