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 published: 2005-06-07

A wrapper for the Blessed Mother

Nigerian students, novices, pilgrims... prove to the MTA that they really love her

El Santuario de Nigeria, mes de mayo, 2005

The Shrine in Nigeria, may 2005

Das Heiligtum in Nigeria im Mai 2005

 
 

Inculturación: un „wrapper“, un manto para la Mater

Inculturation: a wrapper for the Blessed Mother

Inkulturation: ein Wickelrock-Stoff für die Gottesmutter

 
 

Procesión al Santuario

Procession to the Shrine

Prozession zum Heiligtum

Fotos: Desch © 2005

 

NIGERIA, Fr. Klaus Desch/Fr. Johnson Nellissery. "Prove first to me that you really love me", Schoenstatt members from all walks of life, cultures and generations read in the Founding Document of Schoenstatt as the wish of the Blessed Mother. They prove her this love with flowers and prayers, with sacrifices and activities… and with a wrapper, as could be seen in May in the Shrine in Ijokodo, Nigeria, decorated with some flowers and a precious, beautiful cloth wrapped around the altar …

As a sign of their appreciation and gratitude to the Blessed Mother, the novices offered a wrapper to her on 18th of May. This gift was to thank her also for the successful priestly ordination of Fr. Peter Chukwuma. It is a custom in some parts of Nigeria that a child buys his mother a wrapper as a sign of his love for the mother especially during special celebrations or events. This is a way of appreciating and honoring the mother. It is not so much a custom in Nigeria to offer flowers to a Lady in order to express affection and reverence, but a cloth… for a wrapper.

All want to come and greet the Blessed Mother in the Shrine

Each Sunday, some 50 – 60 persons from nearby attend Holy Mass in the Shrine. The youngest ones are carried on their mothers’ arms, the oldest ones are well beyond jubilation. A group of young people committed themselves to form a choir and contribute songs and music to the Eucharist. After the final blessing, all process from the house chapel to the Shrine, where they pray and then sing "My Queen, my Mother".

During this month of May,many individuals and groups came to visit the Shrine, among them also members of Ecclesial Movements. The 18th Celebration started as usual with adoration in the afternoon in the Shrine. By 6 pm. there was a rosary procession from the way side shrine to the Shrine, followed by readings, songs of praise and burning of the papers with the contributions to the capital of grace. About 75 people were present.

MTA heals a Customs Officer

A female Deputy Superintendent of Customs in Nigeria who became a part of the Campaign of the Pilgrim Mother by receiving the Pilgrim MTA on Pentecost Sunday, relates that the MTA has touched and healed her. Her testimony: "I had a very heavy load which I had been carrying on my back for ten years. I do not know what it was. I had severe pain and had to spend a lot of money on it. The next day after our Mother’s arrival at my home she removed the load from my back. It happened in my sleep. As I got up I realized the changes that has taken place on me. She gave me back my health. She still visits her daughters and sons in need. Thanks be to MTA."



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