Bishop Albert Fasina of Ijebu-Ode diocese has called on Catholics to make God the centre of their family life so that 'Jesus can hold and bind us all continually in his love.'
The bishop made the call in his closing remarks to end the 2013 Marian Pilgrimage of the diocese held at the Marian Shrine, Iwopin, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State. The theme for the pilgrimage was: Virgin Most Faithful.
The bishop who presided over the closing Mass of the Pilgrimage also installed 10 Lay Leaders at the ceremony and urged them to observe the commandments of God, meditate on the Word and teach it with zeal and commitment. He added that they should work as servants through works of evangelization, visit to the sick, lead at service in the absence of a priest and win more souls for Christ.
The pilgrimage which was attended by faithful from within and outside the diocese featured: blessing of candles, procession from Iwopin Lagoon to the Marian Shrine, opening Mass, prayer and praise singing, recitation of the rosary, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and adoration, penitential service, healing session and testimonies and blessing of water and other sacramentals, closing Mass and renewal of vows by the male and female Religious in the diocese.
The opening Mass was presided over by Monsignor G. K. Ayankoya while Rev. Fr. Stephen Ekerin gave the homily in which he charged the pilgrims to 'taste and see that the Lord is good,' adding that they should not be like the Israelites who always disobeyed God. The homilist commended the faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the annunciation of the birth of Christ to his death on the cross and urged the pilgrims to use the opportunity of the pilgrimage to pray and learn to do the will of God.
Talking on the theme: Virgin Most Faithful, Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogunnupebi described Mary as a true model for all Christians in this Year of Faith and urged the faithful to emulate her exemplary life of faith. Describing her faithfulness as being truthful and loyal to a course, Fr. Ogunnupebi noted that Mother Mary was committed and consistent.
He stated further: 'Being a virgin, Mary accepted the word of God and believed because it was God who said it. The first miracle of Jesus was at her request made in deep faith. She accompanied Jesus in his ministry and she was never a hindrance. She was a strong woman, timeless role model, a faithful human being and the crowning glory of human being.'
In Conclusion, Fr. Ogunnupebi encouraged all Christians to imitate the Blessed Mother's faith, hope and love; adding that 'this will foster unity in our Churches, families, towns, states, nation and the world at large.' In his homily at the closing Mass Fr. David Odunsi reflected on the Presentation of the Lord, pointing also to the faith of Mary and her choice to always do the will of God.
Culled from Beacon Magazine |
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