Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria – Solemnity 

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 71(72):1-2,7-8,12-13,17
Ephesians 2:13-18
Matthew 2:13-15,​19-23

Today the Catholic Church in Nigeria celebrates Our Lady Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. Today also being the 1st of October is Nigeria’s Independence Day. Nigeria is 65years (1960-2025).

In today’s gospel, we are told of how Herod wanted to kill the infant King and Prince of peace. At that time, there was great hostility towards children. This reminds us immediately of what happened during the birth of Moses in Egypt in the Old Testament. However, in the time of Christ, Egypt became a place of refuge. The tragic experience of genocide and infanticide was also felt in the early beginning of Nigeria as a country till the present moment. We need your mercy in our nation, O Lord.

Like fugitives, some people want us to flee from our Fatherland while others are mercenaries of evil. These include corruption, killing of children, ritual killing, fraud, terrorism, kidnapping, poli-tricks, etc. There are also people in this life who do not like our existence as Christians and they can do anything to haunt us down, tear us apart, and cut short our lives. However, there is a need to seek God’s direction and providence in all these things so that justice, equity, and peace can reign in this darkened world full of bloodshed, sadness, and tears.

Christ is the fulfillment of God’s prophecies and promises. The three wise men in the gospel, paid him homage and presented gifts to the Lord and Our Lady pondered everything in her heart, That is what we need in Nigeria to submit everything to God. When Christ comes into our lives justice will reign and he, the Eternal Wisdom, will help us and show us the way to our common goal as one nation under God. Patriotism, selfless Sacrifice, and discipline are required by all Nigerians. No one above the law no one should be left either at home or in diaspora.

Once again, we pray together today for this nation that peace will reign in Nigeria and through the maternal intercession of Our Lady, God will wipe away our tears and allow his justice, peace, and harmony to flourish in our nation. Amen.

Happy New Month!
Happy Independence Day Nigerians!
God bless Nigeria!

Fr Joseph Osho