3,000 Catholic Devotees Storm Calabar for Divine Mercy National Congress
Judex OKORO
No fewer than 3,000 members of the Divine Mercy Devotion Nigeria, are in Calabar, Cross River State for 2024 national congress.
Divine Mercy started its prayer in 1917 and they pray every year. In 1921, they started the legion of Mary Prayer.
On Feb, 1931, the prayer started in Poland and then spread to the rest of the world. For 20 years the prayer was banned.
But Pope John II, before he became a Pope, asked that the prayer be looked into. And a after a meeting in Rome the ban was lifted. Since then, they have been on across the world.
This year four-day congress in Nigeria is hosted by St.Pateicks Cathedral, Ikot Ansa, Calabar. And it kicks off today, Thursday, December 5, 2024, and will end on Sunday, December 8,2024.
Dignitaries expected include
Sir Robert Omang KSJI
LOC Chairman, Sir Donatus Amama KSJI, Calabar Provincial Leader, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Iwuagwu, Calabar Provincial Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Solomon Andrew MDM, Calabar Provincial Coordinator, Engr. Solomon Adenubi (KSM).
CPC Chairman and Mr. Martin Uche Abor, National Leader.
Others are Rt. Rev. Msgr. Barinem Boniko, National Chairman DMD in Nigeria,
Most. Rev. Christopher N. Naseri,
Auxiliary Bishop of Calabar Archdiocese, Chief Host
His Grace, Most. Rev.
Joseph Effiong Ekuwem
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Calabar, Guest of Honour
Most. Rev. Martin Igwe Uzoukwu, National Promoter: Divine Mercy Devotion, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (GAS)
Speaking with journalists in Calabar on the activities lined up for the Congress, the national promoter of the group, Dr Most. Rev. Martins Uzoukwu, said the national congress has as it's theme: Divine Mercy: "The Real Source of Hope for Nigeria" with the Minister of state Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Obonogemem Ekpo as the guest speaker.
According to him, the congress will be used by catholic faithful to intercede for Nigeria's growth and development.
"The four-day event will also deepen the faith of the people and bring conversion also to the land. Catholic in particular will get get feel of the divine mercy," he stated.
On his part, the Arch Bishop of Calabar diocese, Joseph Ekuwem, said the congress will bring blessings to the Calabar beyond religion line.
As at the time of filling this report, thousands of devotees have arrived St. Patrick's College ahead of the congress.
