Photos: Lagos Archdiocese Celebrates 100 Years of Fatima Apparitions

In line with the Marian Year Awareness and in a joyful mood, the aired invitation on the public media, and as published on the Official Twitter and Website of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos came to fulfillment, as the church in Lagos celebrated the Centenary Celebration of the Fatima Apparitions on Saturday 27th May, 2017.

The remarkable event commenced by 7am with the Rosary Procession organised by the Block Rosary Crusade Lagos Archdiocese from the National Stadium, Surulere, to the Marian Shrine Maryland.

An inaugural Mass followed immediately after the Procession by the host Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins who also participated in the Rosary Procession.

Light refreshment was entertained to serve the large crowd (estimated over 500 people) who were in attendance.

See photos below:

Owerri Archdiocesan Block Rosary Crusade Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Fatima Apparitions

The Invitation Card

Friday 19th May was the turn of Owerri Archdiocesan Block Rosary Crusade to celebrate the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on its 100th Anniversary. The event which took place at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Control Post Owerri, commenced with welcoming of members and guests followed by the Confessions and the Rosary Procession at about 9.30am.

The Pontifical Holy Mass followed immediately, officiated by Most. Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, the Ecclesiastical Archbishop of Owerri Province. Meanwhile, a good number of diocesan priests were in attendance alongside Reverend sisters and brothers.Other dignitaries in attendance were Dr. (Mrs.) Ihuoma P. Asiabaka, AG. Director Centre for Women, Gender and Development Studies FUTO, and wife of the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Chigozie Asiabaka, Sir Moses Ajeka (KSJI) who was the chairman of the occasion, Ugoeze F. Anyanwu (the Mother of the day), Sir. Donatus I. Iwuagwu (KSJI), Sir. Kizito Ajaelu (Nation Patron of the Block Rosary Crusade, Nigeria) amongst others. The number of members of the Block Rosary dropped to about 40% because of school activities on that faithful day. Moreover, about 500 people were in attendance at the occasion.

The reception part of the occasion began with brief procession with Our Lady's Statue from the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church to the Obiri Odenigbo ground, after which the Fatima Anthem was observed. The Block Rosary Crusade Brigade Guard (BRCBG) performed briefly their duties to usher in the Archbishop of Owerri, Most. Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna to the reception ground.

The colourful occasion came to limelight with the cutting of the centenary cake by the Archbishop of Owerri , with the Owerri Block Rosary Chaplain Rev. Fr. Innocent Nzewuji, and other important dignitaries.

Award of Merit to deserving supporters of the work of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Block Rosary Crusade were presented at the occasion by the Archbishop.

Entertainment and brief refreshment was observed before the the vote of thanks by the Owerri Archdiocesan President Bro. Saviour C. Esomonu at about 4.15pm. The closing prayer cam afterwards led by the Owerri Archdiocesan Block Rosary Chaplain Rev. Fr. Nzewuji.

See photos below:

The Chaplain Rev. Fr. Innocent Nzewuji presenting cola to the Archbishop

The Archbishop with other dignitaries cut the anniversary cake

Cross session of guests at the occasion

Bro. Saviour Esomonu (President Owerri Block Rosary) and his team at the occasion

Cross Session of members of the Block Rosary at the occasion

Pilgrim statue of Our Lady in display at the event

PRAYER FOR MARIAN YEAR CELEBRATION IN NIGERIA

Oh Our Lady, Queen and Mother of Nigeria we beseech thee, 
We come to your throne of grace seeking your face
In a special way in this year of our celebration 
Of the Marian Year and Centenary of Fatima

We come to you this year, Mother of the Holy Family
To intercede for our troubled families
We come to you, Help of Christians
To intercede for the persecuted Christians in Nigeria
We come to you Our Lady of Perpetual Help
To intercede for our Country and our leaders

We come to you especially, Our Lady of Fatima
In this Centenary of your appearance in Portugal
When you brought peace to that once troubled country
And as we mark that historic moment this year,
We beg of you to do the same in our country, Nigeria

Obtain for us that peace which can only come from Heaven:
Peace in our hearts, homes, places of work and our nation
May the celebration of the Marian Year in Nigeria
And the eventual re-consecration of our country
To your Immaculate Heart, restore total peace

Oh Holy Mother of God and Mother of the Church,
With our hearts free from evil and hatred,
And make us able to bring to all others true joy and peace,
Which come to us from your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
Lives and reigns, forever and ever, Amen

Imprimatur

+Valerian M. Okeke
Archbishop of Onitsha
Chairman, Pastoral Affairs Department

Article Credit: Catholic and Proud