By Chikezie Ogbonna
The Catholic Diocese of Enugu, led by the Bishop, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, today held a Joint Diocesan Rosary Procession and Prayer Rally across its six deaneries. The spiritually enriching event, which coincided with the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, witnessed thousands of faithful gathering simultaneously in various deanery centers to seek divine intervention and spiritual renewal.
At Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, Bishop Onaga addressed the congregation before the commencement of the procession, calling on the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for the Church, the nation, and individual families.
“We ask Blessed Mother Mary to intercede on our behalf, for the protection of our country. We have seen progress in safeguarding lives and property, and we must continue to pray,” the Bishop stated.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the day, Bishop Onaga urged the faithful to remain committed to prayer, particularly through the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, for the security and peace of Nigeria. He further called for divine blessings upon the Diocese as it continues the construction of the new cathedral arena.
Key Prayer Intentions
The Bishop outlined the core intentions of the day’s prayer rally to include:
- The protection and security of lives and property across Nigeria.
- God’s continued grace for the successful completion of the diocesan cathedral arena.
- Peace, love, and tranquility in families.
- A spiritual rebirth that resists the resurgence of neopaganism and a return to immoral traditional practices.
Call for Moral Reawakening
Delivering a brief homily, Bishop Onaga decried the rising tide of immorality in society, including the normalization of examination malpractice, often encouraged by parents. He emphasized the foundational role of the family in society and called for a collective return to virtue, discipline, and hard work.
He lamented the growing “get-rich-quick” mentality among young people, warning against the neglect of diligence and productivity in favor of unethical shortcuts.
Spiritual Insights from the Visitation
Reflecting on the Gospel account of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the Bishop described how the child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy at the presence of Jesus. He interpreted this as a sign that welcoming Jesus into one’s life and home brings joy, fulfillment, and peace. He emphasized that Mary serves as the gateway through which Christ enters our lives.
Bishop Onaga also highlighted the love and humility displayed by Mary in her relationship with Elizabeth, drawing parallels to Mary’s intervention at the wedding feast at Cana. He urged Christians to emulate Mary’s example of love, discernment, and intercession.
A Form of Evangelism
Describing the procession as more than a spiritual exercise, the Bishop said it also serves as a form of evangelism and public witness to faith.
“We will not deny Him before men, but rather proclaim Him boldly,” he asserted.
While the procession has both spiritual and physical benefits, Bishop Onaga stressed that the spiritual fruit is of greater importance, rooted in the power of prayer and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Diocesan Rosary Procession and Prayer Rally concluded with Benediction and a reaffirmation of commitment to the Catholic faith an
d the values of love, humility, and peace.
Comment here