NIGERIA, Jude Chinedu Eze. In every May, the month dedicated to Mary, the coordinators of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate gather around the Shrine to ‘recharge’ and renew their commitments as Apostles of Mary. To the glory of God and the honor of Mary, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt, this year’s annual Pilgrim Mother convention for the coordinators was held in a grand style on the 19th and 20th, May 2012.
Nigeria Pilgrim Mother Convention 2012
The coordinators (missionaries) of the Pilgrim Mother apostolate here in Nigeria are spread across the length and breadth of the country. During these days, they traveled along with some of their group members who intend to make pilgrimage to the Victory Shrine here at Ijokodo in Ibadan. Consequently, a good number of about 100 coordinators were present for this years’ convention. The coordinators that came around this year came from Abuja, Awka, Abeokuta, Benin, Umuahia, Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, Orlu, Elele, and Nsukka respectively.
It is important to note perhaps, that this year convention witnessed the presence of the new regional superior of the Schoenstatt Fathers, Fr. Francisco Pistili, the former regional superior, Fr. Juan Pablo Catoggio, Fr. Raul Espina, Fr. Stanley Ekwugha, and Fr. Nichodemus Okenwa, Fr. Claudius Uwaoma (spiritual director) who was the chief celebrant for the mass, Fr. Kingsley Okereke (Novice master), Fr. Andres Rodriguez, the homilist for the mass, and Fr. Reginald Ibe, the rector of the study house. It was worthwhile having them all at the celebration of the Holy mass.
Living the Covenant of Love
More so, the Eucharistic celebration was graced with a good number of thanksgivings from various groups of coordinators. Many gave testimonies of the role of Mary in their lives, family and offices, and equally came forward in appreciation for prayers answered through the intercession of Mary enshrined in the picture of grace that moves around from family to family. In addendum, there was also an entertainment scenario in honor of Mary from the seminarians and the little kids of Schoenstatt.
The theme for this years’ convention was a follow up of last year’s theme, which reads; towards the covenant with Mary. This was the first step towards bringing the coordinator into the Covenant of Love with Mary in the Shrine. As a continuation of what had already begun, the theme for this year convention is: living the Covenant of Love with Mary, a way of evangelization from the Shrine. Fr. Kingsley Okereke, the novice master gave the talk in this direction.
Servants and apostles of Mary
However, during the talk, Fr. Kingsley highlighted the origin and significance of the Covenant of Love with Mary in the Shrine. He pointed out the role of Mary in our Covenant relationship with her. According to him, Mary is ever ready to fulfill her part of love, but she also awaits our sincere and diligent contribution to the capital of grace in the Shrine by doing little things extra-ordinarily well. In addition, he added that this love with Mary does not just end in the Shrine; therefore, it is our mission as servants and apostles of Mary to radiate this love of Mary in our everyday living and everywhere we find ourselves. Lastly, he noted that our hope and trust in Mary should not waver, as there is an assurance that the servant of Mary will never perish.
Finally, the convention came to an end with the renewal of commitment and benediction in the Shrine presided by Fr. Klaus Desch.
