By Chinwe Nwacha, Onitsha
Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Block Rosary Crusade of St. Charles Borrowmeo Catholic Parish Onitsha Archdiocese, Anambra State, weekend marked 35 years anniversary, launched Fatima dance group and unveiled a new centre within the centre premises.
The Fatima Dance
Recall that the said Block Rosary history was traced to when it was in formative stage and being hosted house to house at Stico street in the year 1988 which later came to the limelight through Gate of Heaven Block Rosary Crusade.
Making this disclosure, the President of the centre, Sis. Onyebueke Ogechukwu said that, "later Okafor Etoo and his wife, Lady Rose Okafor Etoo, welcomed us and gave us accommodation as prayer centre where we are staying till date including other items like big lamp and musical instruments.
"The duo of Mr. Thomas Udemba and Mr. Elochukwu Ugochukwu also assisted in the development of our centre by bringing the members of Gate of Heaven to assist in teaching us the necessary prayers aimed at moving forward.
On achievements Ogechukwu said that the centre was nurtured and it brought up children who are now adults and married.
"We have been able to train up Reverend fathers and one of our sons, Okafor Somtoo will be ordained a priest in no distant time.
The centre president
"We also founded a new centre in Stico street which bears the name, "Our Lady Mother of our Saviour". We offered scholarship to some of our members. Through our prayers, God answered the prayers of our mothers, blessed them with fruit of the womb, and made the mourners happy. The labourers, fed the poor and healed the sick.
"We have a popular dance group called Fatima Dance group which is used for prayers. We included this dance group because there is always a miracle anywhere the dance group performs," she further explained
"We want to use this opportunity to plead with the parents to try and bring out their children for prayers as early as possible and also ask them what they learnt any time they come back.
The soldiers of the centre
"We also plead with you to get us large house of our Blessed Virgin Mary which is called Grotto, the amount is #400,000 and we will not forget to thank you for the previous assistance rendered to us.
"We thank you all for the previous ones you did which will spur you to do more," she explained.
According to Onyinye "we thank the Almighty God for the gift of life, our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Cletus Eletu, his Vicar, Rev. Fr. Pascal Nchegha, Parish members and the Zonal Executive members.
She further paid glowing tribute to guests for being physically present despite their tight schedules even as she prayed God to guard them as they depart to their different destinations.
Cutting of Anniversary cake
"Also our patrons, patroness and others so numerous to mention who honoured our invitation we pray God to lead you safely home in Jesus name, amen".
Highlight on the occasion was the unveiling of their new centre by Rev. Fr. Cletus Eletu, the parish priest.
R-L: The mother of the day - Mrs Ifeyinwa Ezenwugo, Mrs Arum, the mother of the day - Mrs Nkiru Ajunwa and her friend
Bro. Jude Amadi, chairman on the occasion, expressed satisfaction with the successful celebration of the tripartite events adding that God was with them throughout the celebration.
"Prayer is the life of children of God, they should pray without season and live a holy life like our Blessed Mother Mary he prayed.
"People turned up today and it will spur them to assist us financially in propagating the missionary work and as such I advise parents to allow their children attend prayer sessions as it boost their morals stating that prayer is the key to life in all ramifications.
"Mrs Ifeyinwa Ezenwugo, mother of the day, said, "I am advising the children mostly their parents to allow their children attend prayer sessions as they learnt alot stating that they will not relent in the hood upbringing of the children.
Mrs Nkiru Ajunwa, another mother of the day, stated that really the children are trying, adding that their participation here today shows that their going to the centre daily is not in vain.
"Parents should please allow their children that are staying at home to come out and join them in the prayer session as prayer draws them to God. When you associate with those block rosary members you will see that their characters are unique.
"I advise their promoters not to relent for God will reward them abundantly even as we support them in our own little way," she pleaded.
In a similar development, the president of the center, Miss Onyebueke Ogechukwu, received scholarship award for her hardwork from a philanthropist who pleaded anonymity.
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Anniversary