Despite naira, fuel crisis, 2023 Oke-Maria Catholic Pilgrimage witnesses enormous crowd
TIMOTHY AGBOR
The naira and fuel crisis currently ravaging Nigeria could not stop the usual great turnout that the annual Oke-Maria Pilgrimage of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo is known for.
Crowds of people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike stormed the Holy Mountain at Otan-Ayegbaju, the headquarters of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State on Saturday, February 11 till Sunday, February 12, for the 2023 Oke-Maria Pilgrimage.
The faithful waved through the difficulties being faced by Nigerians in accessing cash and fuel and attended the religious event in their great number.
Their presence in the ancient city brought life and glitz as pilgrims joyfully processed in prayer, songs and dancing through the streets to the holy mountain for the main programme.
The roads to Otan-Ayegbaju witnessed heavy traffic movements and influx of people, including non-Christians who had gathered at the mountain to pray for themselves and the country, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The theme of the pilgrimage is: “Mary, Our Advocate, Turn Your Eyes of Mercy Towards Us (John 2: 1-11).”
The programme had started on Saturday at the field of St Nicholas Pro-Cathedral before pilgrims processed to the mountain in joyous mood.
Addressing the multitude of pilgrims, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev John Oyejola, expressed pleasure at the turnout and urged pilgrims not to relent in their faith.
The Chief Shepherd said, “I am encouraged with the turnout despite the naira scarcity and fuel crisis.”
Details later.
