The Confraternity of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, celebrated its 13th National Convention at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Maryville, Ugwuogo Nike, Enugu, Enugu State, in Nigeria from 8th to 10th November 2024. The theme of the Convention was “Mary, the Missionary of Hope in Nigeria.” Thousands of devotees of Our Mother of Perpetual Help from over 44 dioceses across the country were present at the Convention and expressed their faith and love for the Most Holy Redeemer and His Mother, Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It was an atmosphere of spiritual renewal, prayer, intercession for the members, family members and our beloved country, Nigeria.
The highlight was the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. John Ayah, Bishop of Uyo and Presiding Bishop for the Laity. Concelebrants included the Vice Provincial Superior, Fr. Michael Emerue, CSsR, the Second Consultor, Fr. Godwin Abbah, CSsR and the Chancellor and Secretary of the Vice Province, Fr. Kingsley Ebodaghe, CSsR. Many Redemptorist priests and diocesan priests also participated in the celebration. In his homily, the Bishop exhorted the devotees and all Christians to have a strong and transforming devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, whose intercession he has experienced in his personal, priestly and episcopal ministry. He also insisted that the situation in the country needs God’s intervention, visionary leadership by leaders and a patriotic and responsible following.
During the Mass, Fr. Michael Emerue read to the attentive devotees the letter of the Superior General, Fr. Rogerio Gomes, CSsR. There was also an emotional moment of enthronement of the miraculous icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. After the Holy Mass, there were moments of praise, adoration, intercession and petition in an atmosphere of prayer, reflection and total abandonment to God and His Mother.
Fr. Onyeno Peter Chijioke, CSsR
Head of Redemptorist Media and Communications,
Vice Province of Nigeria.
