Catholics celebrate Mary’s birthday in Nigeria
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Thousands of Catholics and Christians from Anambra State and nearby areas gathered in Onitsha, Nigeria, to celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Faithspiration Initiative organised the event, centering the celebration around the theme “Fill the Jars, Make Room for Fresh Wine.” The celebration included gospel performances, lectures, prayers, and a Catholic Mass held at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Awada, Obosi. Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Maduka Agba, representing the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev.
Valerian Maduka Okeke, praised the Faithspiration Initiative as a group dedicated to spreading the gospel among young people and adults. Former Anambra State governorship candidate, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, encouraged attendees to embrace devotion to Mary and teach children to pray the Rosary, sharing a personal spiritual experience from Portugal. Rev. Fr. Barr. Johnbosco Igwe delivered a lecture on Marian spirituality, identifying trust, gratitude, poverty, contemplation, and resilience as key qualities of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr.
George Adimike, founder of the Faithspiration Initiative, expressed gratitude for the support of the Archbishop and noted the inclusive nature of the event, welcoming people of various faiths and ethnicities. The celebration concluded with the cutting of a birthday cake and the distribution of food, bread, and cash to those in need in the surrounding communities.
