The Solemnity of Our Lady Queen and Patroness of Nigeria

The total dedication of our Country Nigeria to Mary, Queen and Patroness, is an invitation to learn from our Mother. The Blessed Virgin Mary teaches us how to submit ourselves as a nation to the will of God. Through Mary we are inspired to always say: “Be it done to me according to thy word.” The image painted by the Prophet Isaiah in today's first reading, could be compared to the current scene in our country Nigeria and quite adrem at this time when the country is marking sixty-first Independence Anniversary. The Prophet wrote on how injustice has taken over the chosen people of God. It was also at a time, when the poor in the society were marginalised, corruption was everywhere and so many abominable things were happening. It was in the height of all these anomalies that the voice of God was heard through His Prophet Isaiah. That same voice of God also re-echoes through His word, at this time in our country Nigeria when the justice system of the country is questionable.

We live at a time of secession and agitation on perceived marginalisation. The rising tension and war cry is on increase in our country. The rate of insecurity which has cost the lives of many innocent citizens. The question that keep reoccurring in this state of seeming hopelessness is: When will the prophecy of Isaiah (11:6-8) about a time of peace when the lion and lamb will live in harmony and children play with dangerous animals and remain unharmed, be realised? All these may not happen as fast as we may want them, but we shall continue to live in hope and confidence in God. Today's Gospel leaves us with a model of how the holy family survived such hard times in the earthly days of Joseph and Mary. Joseph harkened the to voice of the Angel that came to Him in a dream, by taking refuge in Egypt with his family until the crisis in Judaea was over. We also have to listen to the voice of God in order to know how to cope in our difficult moments. Like Mary, we must submit our wills to obey the laws and precepts of God. We have to submit our minds to assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truth and to the doctrine of Christ. We must not relent in prayers, for God to give us good leaders and bring peace to our country Nigeria if we must remain as one. We have to begin the change we have always desire. We have to eschew greediness in our relationship with others and organisations in our care. Let us vote credible people to lead us and not people who lure our vote with money but do not have our welfare at heart. We are challenged to train our children with the fear of God, so that they will grow up to become good citizens and better leaders who will not repeat the mistakes of the past.

We pray that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of Nigeria, that God will grant a lasting peace to our country Nigeria! Amen!! Good morning and happy Nigeria Independece!!!