The Redemptorist-run Marian Shrine in the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, located on the hills of Otan-Ayegbaju, Osun State, Nigeria annually the holds two main Rosary Conventions in the months of May and October, respectively. This year’s May Rosary Convention titled: “Mary, Our Mother” (Jn. 19:25-27) featured Candle-light Rosary processions, stations of the cross, Bible sharing, Sacramental confessions, counselling, talks, Holy Masses, etc. Pilgrims in large groups came from different parts of the country to the Oke Maria Pilgrimage Centre.
At the opening Mass on the first day, Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi, representing the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Fr. Dr. John Akin’ Oyejola, was the chief celebrant at the mass while the homilist was Fr. Benedict Adu, CSsR (the associate Director of Oke Maria). During the homily, he encouraged all the Pilgrims to hold Mother Mary as their Mother in all their necessities because Jesus Christ has already handed her over to the Church. He ended by saying that through Mary our Mother, we will surely succeed in all we do. Meanwhile, towards the end of the mass, the Vicar general of the Diocese, Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi communicated the Bishop’s message to all present. In the message he expressed great gratitude to the Redemptorist Congregation at large, the Redemptorist Vice Province of Nigeria for their missionary zeal and authentic witnessing leading to amazing mobilization and revival in the Shrine. He then, encouraged the Pilgrims to keep faith in the intercessory powers of Mother Mary, which never fails. Later that evening, there were more sacramental confessions and counselling with a host of Diocesan priests present, Candle-light Rosary processions, Benediction, adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, talks, intercessory prayers, lighting of votive candles, writing of petitions, and so on.
The following day, being 2nd of May, 2026, the votive mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary was presided over by Fr. Michael C. Emerue, C.Ss.R, who was flanked by the Vicar general of the Diocese, Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi and Fr. Kingsley Sampson Ebhodaghe, C.Ss.R, the Secretary and Chancellor of Redemptorist Vice Province of Nigeria, other concelebrating priests. In his homily, the Vice Provincial Superior urged all Pilgrims to be steadfast in faith, hope, and charity like Mother Mary. He added that if we call on Mother Mary, she will always answer us. He sang a song which says: “Mary has the power to help us and intercede for us in all our needs. So, we have nothing to fear. We need not fret no matter what we go through.” He also encouraged the pilgrim to imbibe the virtues of Motherhood of Mary.
By the evening hours, sacramental confessions, Rosary processions, Benediction, adoration, and intercessory prayers were made till midnight. And by Sunday morning (3rd of May, 2026), the closing mass was celebrated by the Vice Provincial Superior, Fr. Michael Chukwuyem Emerue, C.Ss.R., while the homilist was the Director of the Shrine, Fr. Christopher Osasumen Uwadiale, CSsR. In his homily, he challenged all the Pilgrims to return home in expectant faith and confidence in God believing that God has blessed them and answered their prayers. Towards the close of the mass, the Vice Provincial declared the Pilgrimage ended after giving the Pilgrimage indulgence blessings.
By and large, the 2026 May Rosary Convention was a spirit-filled weekend of plentiful redemption. The large crowd present at the convention were blessed and spoke of the goodness of God. May Mother Mary be continually honoured in our lives. Amen.
Fr. Peter Chijioke Onyeno, CSsR.
