"No Apology": Warri Bishop Tells Catholics Not to Appease Protestants Over Marian Devotion

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, issued a powerful and provocative defense of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, urging the Christ Faithful to stand firm in their traditions and reject outside criticism.

​The Bishop delivered his stirring message during his homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri, an occasion that also served as the setting for a major ordination ceremony.

​The Bishop's Uncompromising Stance

​Addressing the issue of friction with other Christian denominations regarding Marian veneration, Bishop Ewherido made a bold, uncompromising statement: "If they are not happy with our devotion to the blessed Mother, we have no apology for them, let them go to the Idu bridge." This declaration demands that Catholic faithful cease apologising for their deep devotion and tradition.

​Theological Clarity and Intercession

​The Bishop dedicated part of his homily to providing precise catechesis and theological clarity, differentiating two key Marian events:

• ​Immaculate Conception: Centered around God making Mary to be conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, without original sin.
• ​Annunciation: The fact that Jesus Christ was conceived in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the visit of the Angel Gabriel.
  

​He also stressed the critical need for Catholics to seek the divine intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, citing her exemplary role in mediating for the needs of God's children, as evidenced at the pivotal Wedding Feast of Cana, where Mary informed Jesus that they "need more wine."

​Ordination of Three New Priests

​The Solemnity was also marked by the joyous ordination of three new priests into the order of the priesthood:

• ​Rev. Fr. Charles Azubuike Azaka
• ​Rev. Fr. Benedict Oghenero Oge
• ​Rev. Fr. Augustine Ufuoma Omiragua
  

​Bishop Ewherido concluded by instructing the newly ordained and the entire Catholic community to embrace Mary as their spiritual Mother. Furthermore, he urged them to take full responsibility for their actions instead of passing blame to others, drawing a direct contrast with the actions of Adam and Eve.