Catholic community in Lagos concludes year long Marian Celebration in Grand style

28/10/17 Rosary Catholic The National Stadium, in Surulere, Lagos yesterday witnessed what was described as a very large crowd of worshippers as Catholic faith in Lagos and neighbouring states converged there for a special program marking the end of the year long Marian Year celebration. Correspondent Innocent Onoh was there. Cue in: Cue out: As you heard, it was an atmosphere of wild jubilation as Catholic faithful in Lagos and neighbouring states sang songs of Thanksgiving in appreciation to God for life and ability to successfully complete the year long Marian year celebration. It was a sight to behold as long queues of faithful including Reverend father's and sisters, Mongsinors and members of various Pius societies,distinguished by their unique uniforms processed within the main bowl of the stadium for the rosary procession. At least 20 decades of the holy rosary were recited in addition to other religious observances , the high point being the reconsecration of Nigeria, the Archdiocese and families the the Blessed Virgin Mary for her constant intercession to God. In a talk on the Relevance of Fatima Message, Reverend Father Dan Aigbona told members of the public not to forget that the essence of life is to serve God and humanity and so should do their best to alleviate the plight of the less privileged in their midst. Cue in Cue out The Catholic Archbishop Adewale Martins who led the procession used the occasion to emphasise his message of hope, saying Nigerians should have faith that better days are coming because God has heard their prayers for a better Society. According to Archbishop Martin's, the same God who ended war, hunger and strife , that ravaged Portugal before the apparition in 1917, would do even greater miracles in Nigeria. He encouraged the President Mohammadu Buhari to be more committed towards addressing the needs of the people , especially insecurity problem. Pope Francis, set aside Nov. 27 2016 to Nov. 26 2017 for the celebration of the apparition of the blessed Virgin Mary to three Portuguese children Lucia, Francisco and Jassinta in Fatima, Portugal In carrying out the papal order, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria declared 2017 as Marian year, with the objective of using the celebration to fully rededicate the country to God through the intersession of Mary.

COV /ONOH