Salesian Priest Attributes Progress of Initiatives at Nigerian Catholic Parish to Devotion to Mary Help of Christians

Raising the funds remained a challenge, he divulged, adding that with support from benefactors and a loan from John Cardinal Onaiyekan, then Local Ordinary of Abuja, the parish acquired the property within three months.

“This was the hand of Mary Help of Christians; it was a miracle,” Fr. Anene said.

The Nigerian Salesian Priest also recounted how the construction of the church building was made possible through similar acts of faith. 

In September 2016, the parishioners built a grotto dedicated to Mary Help of Christians and held a prayerful celebration, seeking her intercession for the church project, he recalled during the December 8 interview. 

Despite beginning the project without funds, he went on to recall, financial support soon poured in from unexpected sources, including substantial contributions from individuals both in Nigeria and abroad.

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“We had no money when we started. But soon after, someone gave ₦5 million (US$ 3,175.00) and that became the foundation,” Fr. Anene told ACI Africa.

He continued, “People I didn’t know, even from abroad, called to donate. Parishioners and non-parishioners alike contributed – some gave ₦10 million, others ₦5 million.”

The SDB member believes this sustained generosity was a direct result of the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He told ACI Africa, “Through her intercession, we're able to get this money to build this church. She is the one who helped us.”

And, he continued, progress has been thanks to “the divine intervention of the Blessed Sacrament. Because I have special devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.”

Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, when construction projects around the world stalled, the church project progressed, the Nigerian SDB member told ACI Africa, adding, “When people returned after the lockdown, they were shocked to see the church already roofed.”

“It was the grace of God and the help of Mary Help of Christians. Whatever you give to God, He multiplies it for His glory,” Fr. Anene emphasized.

He encouraged Catholics to trust in Mary Help of Christians during difficult times, and added, “St. John Bosco told us to trust in her intercession, and miracles will happen. I am a living testimony of this.”

He also commended the parishioners for their unwavering commitment. “Most of them are poor, yet they contributed tirelessly; their faith and trust in God inspire me,” he told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the dedication and consecration of Archangels Durumi-Gaduwa Parish church.

“The dedication of our church today is a testament to faith, community, and the intercessory power of Mary Help of Christians and to the congregation of the Catholic Church of the Archangels: you’ve done well. Keep trusting in God, and greater things will come,” Fr. Anene said.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.