By Olivia Obijiaku
After the last Rosary procession for the month of October, the clergy and parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus Samaru, Zaria wrapped up the 2022 October devotion with the Holy Mass which took place in the Parish on Monday, 31st October when the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Patrick Bako Ziciyiang spoke of the need to keep the candle light of prayer burning despite the official end of the cooperate devotion. He also leaned on the day’s first reading in urging them to seek growth in others by respecting them and by avoiding unnecessary competition.
Burning of written intentions
“The end of October devotion is not the end of praying the Rosary,” the priest catechizes. “It is not the end of prayer, humility or making sacrifices. October devotion challenges us to pray more. If you pray more, God draws you closer to Himself and abides in you. There are moments that an act of kindness will bring you the blessings of God. Hospitality is a prayer; charity is a prayer and kindness is a prayer. I tell you, the heavens will bless you in return for comforting others.”
The tradition continued at the Marian Grotto where they prayed and burnt the written intentions. The Chairman of the Worship Committee of the parish, Evang. PC Alika thanked God for seeing them through this year’s October devotion. He assured parishioners that though some people make caricature of the Rosary, it is still a valid means of receiving answers to prayers offered with the right motive, encouraging them to present their intentions while praying the Rosary.
Distribution of Rosaries to beneficiaries
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Laity Council of the parish, Prof. Casmir Gimba added that, “the Rosary is a very important prayer. Pray it when you are weak. Forget whether you sleep with it or not. Sleep with it, God will bless your effort.”
At the end of the event which also featured blessing and distribution of Rosaries to parishioners who took part in the devotion throughout the month of October, children and Mass servers; cutting of cake; presentation of special award to Bro Paul Kar for leading the devotion most often.
