Today, May 31st, 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Uromi gathered in joyful devotion at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ebhoiyi-Uromi, to mark the grand finale of this year’s Rosary Carnival. Themed “Mary, Mother of Hope”, the celebration was not just a spiritual highlight, but a heartfelt expression of our deep love and trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A Joyful Beginning
The grand finale celebration began on Thursday, 29th May, with the triumphant arrival of the statue of Our Lady at St. Patrick’s. Songs of praise echoed across the community as the faithful welcomed their Mother with open arms and uplifted hearts.
Pilgrims and parishioners alike had the opportunity to encounter Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, and the communal recitation of the Holy Rosary. A prayerful Marian procession around the Ebhoiyi Community added a rich layer of spiritual intimacy to the event, reminding all of Mary’s enduring presence and intercession.
Climax of Grace: The Holy Mass
The high point of the celebration was the Holy Mass presided over by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Omonlumen. Surrounded by priests of the Diocese, Religious Sisters, Consecrated Persons, and a sea of lay faithful, the Eucharistic celebration radiated unity and faith.
Homily Highlight: Mary, Our Joygiver
In his homily, Fr. Augustus Osagie beautifully unpacked the heart of the celebration: Mary is a gift to the Church, one worth celebrating.
“She is the one whom God honoured first,” Fr. Osagie said, “and whom Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared blessed among all women.”
Mary’s presence, he reminded the faithful, brings hope and joy. Just as baby John the Baptist leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting, so too does the Church rejoice in the company of her Mother today.
Fr. Osagie also encouraged the faithful never to underestimate the powerful role of Mary in the life of every believer: a constant intercessor, a comforter, and a channel of divine grace.
During the Mass, devotional articles were blessed, and prayer petitions, symbolic of the needs and hopes of the faithful, were reverently presented at the sanctuary while Fr. Ferguson Ukpebor prayed over the people
A Celebration Beyond a Day
Though the Rosary Carnival has come to a close, its spirit lives on. Mary continues to walk with us as Mother of Hope, pointing us always to her Son, Jesus Christ.
As the Diocese of Uromi returns to the ordinary rhythm of life, may we carry in our hearts the light of this celebration—a renewed trust in Mary’s maternal care and a deeper commitment to prayer, especially the Rosary.
Indeed, Mary she is a gift to the Church and to the world. One heaven gave with love. One the Church celebrates with joy.
Rev. Fr. Kevin Oselumhense Anetor is a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi. He is a Master of Pastoral Communication and currently serves as Pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ahia and Udakpa, Ubiaja, Edo State Nigeria.
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