For the dignity of the African woman in relation to her role in the Church and in society, Fr. Mrio said, “The Church in Africa, which is the Bride of the glorified Christ and the symbol of Mary's maternal love, should deplore and condemn, to the extent that they are still found in some African societies, all the customs and practices which deprive women of their rights and the respect due to them.”
He continued, “To be our ancestress, Mary must be viewed in her Christian context as full of grace imparting virtues to the hearts of people.”
“For African women of either type of culture, Mary, the Mother of Jesus is always the icon of perfect virtue and a woman of integrity,” Fr. Mrio further said, adding the dignity of the Blessed Virgin Mary “is unique and immeasurable.”
“So, whenever we approach the Blessed Mary in prayer, our expectations are beyond that of being intercessor,” he said.
Coming to Mary the mother of Jesus, he went on to say, “is like attending the school of faith, hope, love, obedience, humility and righteousness.”
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Credit: Pauline Publications Africa
The dignity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Mrio said, “inspires us. It mostly inspires the majority of African women who in many ways face all sorts of hardship. She is a teacher of love, which surpasses all theological virtues.”
“African women should learn how to respond to God's call with true love and faith. Mary's dignity is recognized in her relationship with the triune God,” the Tanzanian Catholic Priest said, adding, “The dignity of the African woman, Christian or non-Christian, comes to fulfillment in God himself.
Credit: Pauline Publications Africa
In his book, Fr. Mrio explores the four dogmas about Mary, that is, Mary as Mother of God, her Perpetual Virginity (before, during and after the birth of Jesus), her Immaculate Conception, and her Assumption into Heaven.
Speaking during the launch of the book in May 2021, Fr. Mrio said the book relates the life of struggle experienced by African women to the mission of the Virgin Mary as the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.