By Anthonia Sokoya & Agatha Nwali

The Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode as a family of faith gathered together at the Diocesan Marian Shrine Iwopin, Ogun State on the 3rd to 4th of February, 2023 to celebrate the Annual Marian Pilgrimage themed; “Mary Mother of Hope”.

It could be recalled that the Diocesan pilgrimage had been placed on hold for the past two years due to the pandemic and restrictions on large church gathering. This year saw a resumption of this iconic diocesan annual event.

The program began at about 5:10pm with rosary procession from the river to the Marian Shrine including all organizations and institutions in the church in order of deanery. At the conclusion of the procession, the Bishop; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina alongside all the Priests present blessed the newly constructed Sanctuary.

At the opening Mass, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nwafor who was the homilist, said the choice of the theme of Mother of Hope is because it providentially speaks to our dire situation in Nigeria as Mary is the only source of hope for us. He implored everyone to visit the Blessed Sacrament regularly and call on Mother Mary for renewal of our faith. In his words, “She has been our mother and she will never cease to be our mother”.

Other activities outlined for the pilgrimage went on successfully. Some of the activities include Marian talk, intercessory sessions, penitential rite and confession, divine mercy prayer, testimony session, Stations of the Cross and other spiritual activities. The burning of the petition was a significant part of the pilgrimage as the Bishop and Priests added incense to the pilgrims’ petitions as it rises to heaven for mercy with the intonation of “My Prayer rise like Incense”

Speaking at the closing Mass, the Bishop, Most Rev Francis Obafemi Adesina thanked everyone who supported the renovation of the site and also called for more support. He requested for regular visitation to the Pilgrimage Centre as he encouraged every organization including Holy Childhood Association, Diocesan CYON group, Diocesan Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria, and Diocesan Catholic Men Organization of Nigeria to schedule time within the year for mini-pilgrimages before the next Diocesan Marian pilgrimage.

It was an amazing pilgrimage as everyone who thought the turnout would be low due to the situation of the country, were proven wrong. The pilgrims came out in thousands to pray to God through Mary, Mother of hope.