On this Feast Day of OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY (October 7, 2023), I wish to still thank God in a very special way, for the gift of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary granted to my Mother, Mrs. Susanna Okolie Nnamani, while she was alive.
And equally thank the Blessed Virgin Mary, for fulfilling her promises of those who pray the Holy Rosary on her, especially that of the 7th one thus: ‘Those who have a true devotion to the Rosary shall not die without the SACRAMENTS of the Church.’
To God be the glory, I was actually the one who administered the last sacraments to her on Thursday, August 31, 2023 before she departed eternally on Friday, September 1, 2023 (1st Friday). We are hopeful that, through the never-ending intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, God, in His Mercy, would grant her eternal happiness in His Presence. Amen. Our hope also rests on the Words of Jesus Christ himself thus: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, even though he has died, he shall live” (cf. Jn 11:25).
Because I knew how much my Mum was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her constant recitation of the HOLY ROSARY. Each time I visited her, I would always ask her if she still had a HOLY ROSARY; and would always give her a new one if she said no or wanted a new one🥰
The last gift of the HOLY ROSARY that I gave to her was on April 16, this year, 2023 (On my Birthday).
As I am writing this, I just flashed back and recalled that my Mum actually gave birth to me and my siblings in St. Mary’s Maternity, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu. Again, she presented me for Baptism in *Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Ugwuago, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu.* Indeed, Divine Providence has actually brought her very close to the embrace of the Blessed Virgin Mary and we are thankful to God for such privilege🙏🏼
The HOLY ROSARY was indeed her powerful armour. She always narrated how she was freed from the so called ‘One Chance’ people through her Holy Rosary which kept them uncomfortable such that they shouted: ‘Who brought this woman here’ and subsequently asked that she be sent out. That was how she escaped their evil plots.
She always encouraged us, her children, to always make the *SIGN of the CROSS.* According to her, it drives away the devil and his agents. Though she had no knowledge of Theology but she got to know that through her personal experiences. It was not until I started studying Theology that I came across the above truth as enshrined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church thus:
The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the SIGN of the CROSS: “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”… The SIGN of the CROSS strengthens us in temptations and difficulties (cf. CCC n. 2157).
Beloved Mum, you instilled piety, discipline and virtues in us and we really can’t thank you enough for that🙏🏼❤️
Thank you so much, beloved Mum, for being a teacher and a guide to me🙏🏼❤️
Rest on, beloved Mum; till we meet to part no more!
I love you, sweet Mum🥲
Your beloved son,
– Rev. Fr. David Okolie
