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By Maduka Nweke
A group in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (OMPH), Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, known as Redemptorists, recently celebrated the feast of ‘Mary the Mother of Jesus as Our Mother of Perpetual Help’ in the parish.
The feast was celebrated with pomp. It was a reunion for most of the parishioners who had either relocated or been transferred to other parishes.
There were activities, ranging from dancing, singing, acrobatics, comedy to march past.
On why the Redemptorists celebrate the feast more than other groups in the church, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Pius Babatunde, who was the chief host, explained: “In 1866, Pope Pius IX gave the miraculous icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help to the Redemptorists and charged them with making her known throughout the world. Since then, her image has travelled far and wide wherever the Redemptorists serve.
“It is to show the world that Our Mother of Perpetual Help is our mother who perpetually leads us to Jesus. She encourages us to listen to Jesus, to believe in Jesus and to hold fast to Jesus. Mary is represented as the one who guides us to the Redeemer. The Virgin Mother is also our Help who intercedes with her Son on our behalf.”
One of the awardees, Very Rev. Fr. John Okoro, who was once a parish priest of the church and is the current parish priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ojota, said: “It is good to work in a place where people receive you. This kind of reception is not far-fetched.
“There is no priest that does not go on transfer because it is a common denominator in the priesthood.”
On the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, especially priests, he said: “Even when Jesus Christ was on earth, He was persecuted. Jesus was crucified, He died. So, the Church is not all about revenge. The Church is all about peace, justice, love and understanding. The Church cannot tell people to start revolting and start killing each other because we are being oppressed. At a point, oppression will turn into peace and peace will turn into greatness.
“The only thing is that we should be careful in all that we do and also protect ourselves. We should protect ourselves in a way. You cannot leave yourself vulnerable. When you know that you are in a tight corner, self-defence is allowed. It is just that you don’t carry a gun and say you want to revenge.”
Earlier, the chairman, planning committee of the feast, Lady Ebere Ugo, said being the first of its kind in the parish, with the theme “And Mary said to the servants, do what He tells you,” she prayed for it and was elated on turnout of parishioners: “The programme involved all the societies from the Mass to the reception with a lot to eat and drink. The children were also not left out because they were celebrated in a special way. The parish appreciated some of her priests and members with merit awards for service.
“My best part of the activities was the one-week retreat. It was a beautiful season of special romance with our dear Mother.
“The priest gave us a deeper understanding of who Our Lady is. The candlelight, the teachings, worship sessions all wowed me. It is indeed, marvellous and I am looking forward to celebrating another feast day.”
