A PILGRIMAGE FOR THE NATION: Marian Spirituality Jubilee ushers in Nigeria's 65th Independence


By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​Benin City, Edo State – October 1, 2025 — The solemnity of the Feast of Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria, coincided with the nation's 65th Independence Day on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. 

The dual celebration was marked by a vibrant display of faith in Benin City, culminating in the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality powerful talk delivered by Rev. Fr. Alfred Agbonlahor, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Spiritual Director of the Catholic Intercessory Prayer Ministry.

​The day’s activities began with a profound display of public devotion: a Solemn Rosary Procession that wound its way through the city centre.

 Hundreds of the faithful processed with prayer and song, offering up the Rosary for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria on its significant anniversary.

​Fr. Agbonlahor’s Talk: Mary as the Ultimate 'Pilgrim of Hope'
​Following the procession, the faithful gathered at St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality. Speaking to the large congregation, Fr. Agbonlahor delivered a compelling message titled “Pilgrims of Hope with Mary.”

​Fr. Agbonlahor framed the Christian life, and by extension, the journey of the Nigerian nation, as a pilgrimage, with the Blessed Virgin Mary serving as the paramount model.

​"The image of Mary as a pilgrim invites us to consider her life as an unceasing journey towards God. Precisely in the mysteries and sufferings she encountered, Mary always maintained an unshakable faith and a living hope," he stated.
​Key Takeaways from the Talk:
​Mary, Our Companion in Adversity: He emphasized that Mary, as our Good Mother, remains close to us, offering strength so that we "never lose courage in the face of life's adversities, our weakness, and our sins."

​The Rosary as a 'Priceless Treasure': Referencing Pope Leo XIII and St. Louis De Montfort, Fr. Agbonlahor stressed the Rosary as a powerful tool for growth in holiness and a "divine summary of the mysteries of the life, passion, death and glory of Jesus and Mary." He challenged the faithful to embrace this devotion, especially during the month of October, dedicated to the Holy Rosary.

​Hope for Nigeria: Linking the Marian spirituality to the nation’s independence, the priest highlighted Mary's role as the Star of the Sea and a sure guide who points the way to eternal salvation. He reminded the congregation of the assurance given by Jesus in John 16:33—that in the world we will suffer tribulations, "but be of good cheers for I have overcome the world." Fr. Agbonlahor affirmed that Mary is the Pilgrim of Hope given to us from the cross to accompany us on our boat to salvation.

​A Jubilee Consecration
​The event served as a powerful spiritual dedication, calling on the faithful to entrust themselves and the nation to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin. Fr. Agbonlahor concluded by reminding the congregation that through Mary's example and intercession—as evidenced in the Gospel and her apparitions—she will always deliver her children from danger.

​The celebration ended on a note of renewed spiritual fervor, with the participants resolving to follow the path of Mary, the Immaculate Heart, as their refuge and hope, especially as Nigeria navigates the challenges of its 65th year of independence.

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