MARY OUR MOTHER: HER BIRTHDAY, By Felix A. Sha’adu

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The birthday celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary was held on Saturday, 13th September 2026, at the Papal Altar, Catholic Media Center Grounds. The event began with a Rosary Procession around the venue.

Welcome Address
The President of the Legion of Mary, Archdiocese of Kaduna, Bro. Isaac Chukwuemeka Onu, gave the welcome address. He urged everyone to come with expectation, noting that the goal of the celebration was to deepen dedication to the ideals of the Legion. He encouraged members to continue the daily recitation of the Rosary, remain faithful to Legion duties, and prepare for the October Devotions.

Holy Mass
Mass commenced at 9:30 AM and was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joachim Okoro.

In his homily, Fr. Okoro noted that while the feast of the Nativity of Mary is observed on 8th September, the celebration was being marked today.

Readings:

1. First Reading: Sirach 27:30 – 28:7
2. Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9
3. Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Fr. Okoro said the readings centered on forgiveness, mercy, and living for the Lord. From Sirach, he reminded us that anger, wrath, and vengeance are abominations and signs of the absence of the Holy Spirit, who gives us self-control.

“Can you be angry and at the same time ask for mercy?” he asked. “When we say the ‘Our Father,’ we are taught to forgive those who offend us.”

He added, “My heart is for God and God alone. I have no space to store offenses. For some of us, it is pride and ego that prevent us from forgiving.”

Quoting St. Paul in Romans, he said, “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord, for Christ is Lord of both the living and the dead.”

From the Gospel, Fr. Okoro explained that Jesus teaches us to forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven. We are called to lives of forgiveness, mercy, and peace.

He then posed the question: “Why Must You Forgive?”

1. For your mental health
2. For the sake of eternity
3. For the sake of your salvation
4. For your spiritual life
5. Because it is an attribute of God — “To err is human, to forgive is divine.”

He urged us to be like Christ, who made excuses for His killers on the Cross of Calvary.

Speaking on Mary, Fr. Okoro said, “Mary is our Mother. Do you know the implication of Mary being our Mother? Her obedience brought us salvation. How many of us truly honor her?”
He concluded by praying that through her intercession, our prayers may be answered.

Socials and Closing
The celebration continued with cultural displays, including an Idoma Cultural Dance. The birthday cake for the Blessed Virgin Mary was unveiled and blessed.

There were dancing competitions and games. Winners of the “Fastest Fingers” game received recharge cards.

Bro. Joachim Ugbor, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, thanked everyone for attending. Rev. Fr. Okoro gave the closing prayers, after which members sat by Deanery to enjoy lunch together.