Giving thanks for a year filled with graces and blessings from the Shrine

First anniversary of the Schoenstatt Shrine in Nigeria

Todo listo para la Santa Misa Everything prepared for the celebration of the Holy Mass Alles parat für die Feier der Heiligen Messe
Nigeria, aniversario del Santuario: taller Nigeria, anniversary of the Shrine: workshop Nigeria, Weihetag des Heiligtums: Arbeitsgruppe
Encuentro en familia Family get-together Die Familie begegnet sich
Baile Dance Tanz darf nicht fehlen beim Fest
El Santuario, con regalos a la MTA The Shrine filled with gifts for the MTA Das Heiligtum mit typischen Geschenken Fotos: Nellissery © 2005 Más fotos – more photos – weitere Bilder

NIGERIA, Fr. Johnson Nellissery. The Victory-Shrine, the first and only Schoenstatt Shrine in Nigeria celebrated the first anniversary of its dedication on Saturday, the 22^nd of October, 2005. Around two hundred participants of the Schoenstatt Youth and the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Campaign gathered around the Shrine at 11am to celebrate an open-air Thanksgiving Mass, which was presided over by Fr. Alfred Kistler, Superior of the Schoenstatt Fathers in Nigeria. The Victory-Shrine was blessed and consecrated by His Grace Felix Alaba Job, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan on the 23^rd of October, 2004.

The external preparation for the celebration was accompanied by a Novena started nine days ahead of the feast. The Fathers’ Community gathered in the Shrine every evening to make a special prayer. Every day, they prayed for a special group of people who belong or are related to the Shrine.

Fr. Johnson Nellissery gave the sermon during the festive Mass on October 23rd. A fine choir of Brothers and young people sang during the Mass. Father Klaus Desch organized a workshop that took place immediately after the Holy Mass. The discussion and sharing session focused on the question of Fr Kentenich, "Will you go with me?"

Dance and Song for the Mother

A group of young girls and boys living around the neighbouring villages preformed a cultural dance and a few songs for the Blessed Mother. They were accompanied by traditional drums and other instruments.

The Schoenstatt Youth in Nigeria presented a skit based on the Founding Document of Schoenstatt Movement. The skit focused on the values of self-education and responsible freedom as introduced by our Founder, Fr. Kentenich.

The Statue of St. Michael is installed

A special gift was made to the Shrine on this occasion: the installation of the statue of St. Michael. The Statue of St. Michael was blessed and then carried by a group of students accompanied with music and dancing. In fact, the entire worshiping community gathered at the wayside shrine and processed to the Schoenstatt Shrine. St. Michael, the second patron of the Shrine, then received his definitive place in the sanctuary. This gift was an expression of our gratitude for his care and protection.

The whole program ended at 5 pm with a solemn blessing and the renewal of the Covenant of Love. Fr. Roman Haronska presided over these ceremonies.

A Big Thank to the MTA

Different people gave testimonies about how they experienced our Mother’s work in their life. Those who participated in the anniversary celebration could not stop thanking the Mother Thrice Admirable for the victorious deeds she had won for them in the past year and for the most wonderful celebration on Saturday.

At the end of the celebrations, there was an earnest and sincere desire expressed by different people that the mission of the MTA should be continued. The Schoenstatt family renewed their commitment to co-operate with the MTA so that she can continue her mission through them in the future.