...THE MASSES ADVOCATE... Benin City Archdiocese Overflowing with Faith, as Sacred Heart Devotees Celebrate Annual Feast with Joy and Thanksgiving-By Ruben Mario Brodrick

Benin City Archdiocese Overflowing with Faith, as Sacred Heart Devotees Celebrate Annual Feast with Joy and Thanksgiving

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Benin City

 – The Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Archdiocese of Benin City recently held a vibrant and well-attended celebration for the 2025 Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

 Devotees from across the archdiocese converged at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, for a special Thanksgiving Mass on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, marking a powerful display of faith and unity.

The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Godwin Ibe, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin City, alongside the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. James Ogbeiwe, and other prominent figures within the Sacred Heart Association. 

The atmosphere was filled with reverence and gratitude as members from various parishes offered special thanksgiving gifts, joyfully singing the beloved Sacred Heart hymn, "In the Sacred Heart of Jesus, my name is there," in appreciation for another successful feast day.

The celebration was enriched by an inspiring exhortation from the host Parish/Deanery, heartfelt testimonies from members, and a captivating musical performance by the League of Tarcisians, the junior arm of the Sacred Heart Association. 

A highlight of the event was the cutting of a beautifully adorned feast cake, featuring the icons of the Sacred/Eucharistic Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, generously donated by Deanery 2 of the Sacred Heart Association.

A Special Call to Join the Sacred Heart:

Unique Privileges Highlighted

During the celebration, Very Rev. Fr. James Ogbeiwe, the Cathedral Administrator, took the opportunity to evangelize the faithful to his parishioners, urging them to enlist as members of the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

He emphasized what makes this particular association "more special than any other lay Apostolate groups in the Church."

Fr. Ogbeiwe highlighted two key distinctions: "They are special because it is only the society in the Church that celebrates their feast as Solemnity; no other society that we celebrate their feast as Solemnity." 

He further stressed the unique commitment of its members, stating, "This is the society that only them are obliged to create an altar in their homes." These unique privileges, rooted in deep devotion, underscore the profound spiritual significance and commitment associated with membership in the Sacred Heart Association.

A Feast of Growth and Enduring Faith

Mrs. Bernadette C. Aliu, JP, the Archdiocesan President of the Association, shared her delight with the Masses Advocate Reporter, emphasizing the overwhelming turnout. "We had a large crowd, and this place was so colourful and everything was very successful," she enthused. "We thank the Almighty God for bringing us to this very day and we know that the Sacred Heart which never separates will keep us together in Jesus name."

Mrs. Aliu also offered prayers for Mother Mary's intercession to bless homes and families, expressing her hope that the association will continue to attract more members to adore Jesus in His Sacred Heart. Looking ahead, she revealed plans for upcoming celebrations, including the Solemn Admission in August, and various deanery and parish-level events, retreats, and home enthronements, all aimed at expanding the association's reach and deepening faith.

Sir Vincent Adjahro, the former Archdiocesan President, echoed Mrs. Aliu's sentiments regarding the impressive attendance.

 "This year's feast was a wonderful one looking at the turnout, it was very encouraging," he stated. While acknowledging that the sheer number of attendees might have surpassed initial expectations, he commended the executives and members for the successful thanksgiving celebration. 

Sir Adjahro also proposed a rotational approach for future Archdiocesan celebrations, suggesting that deanery-level festivities could be held for the first three years of an executive's tenure, with the final year culminating in an Archdiocesan celebration.

Homily Highlights: Lessons from Saints Peter and Paul

Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Godwin Ibe drew powerful reflections from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their devotion to Jesus, regardless of tribulations. He underscored what it means to be an Ambassador for Christ, particularly in an era where modern influences can challenge traditional values.

Father Ibe highlighted the transformative encounters both Peter and Paul had with Christ: St. Peter, a fisherman, recognized something greater than his former life and submitted to Christ. St. Paul, a scholar and persecuting Pharisee, encountered the risen Savior, leading him to abandon all and follow Christ.

He eloquently contrasted their backgrounds and roles, emphasizing their individual contributions to shaping the Church:

 * St. Peter: Fisherman, originally Simon, Preacher, Apostle to the Jews.

 St. Paul: Persecuting Pharisee, previously Saul, Writer, Apostle to the Gentiles.

"Together, they shaped the Church of Christ," Father Ibe affirmed, concluding with an inspiring message: "And for both, dying for Christ was their greatest Joy... If God can use them, God can use you to propagate His Word, His Kingdom."