Apostolate of Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ ends July Novena with Thanksgiving Mass

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

The Apostolate of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, Onitsha Archdiocese, has successfully concluded its annual Great Month of July Novena Prayer with a Thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Odoakpu, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The closing ceremony attracted over 500 devotees from across the Onitsha Archdiocese and beyond. More than six Catholic priests concelebrated the Thanksgiving Mass, which marked the end of the novena.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Igboegbuna expressed gratitude to God for the large turnout of devotees. He said the Catholic Church is rich in every respect and has more “agonizers” than organizers.
He emphasized that the power in the Blood of Jesus Christ is immeasurable and cannot be overemphasized. He urged the faithful to remain steadfast in following Jesus Christ without distraction and never to take the Gospel for granted.
Delivering a spiritual talk titled “Do Not Be Afraid; It Is I” (Mark 6:30), Bro. Lawrence Maria Ezeuko emphasized the importance of trials and difficulties in human life, particularly for Christians.
According to him, God has four divine agents for repentance, conversion, and perfection. These agents of purification are trials and difficulties, which God uses to call humanity back to Himself whenever people stray from His ways.
He added that these trials are essential because they shape, mould, and transform people into the true way of life. Although the lessons are painful, enduring them purifies the heart and makes one worthy before God.
In an interview, the President of the devotees, Bro. Arinzechukwu Orazuluike, said the Great Month of July Novena Prayer was dedicated entirely to the reparation of sins and to praying for God’s mercy upon the whole world.
He thanked God for the favourable weather, describing it as a sign of God’s presence with the devotees. He noted that the programme was successful, with members participating in large numbers.
He further revealed that the leadership devoted itself to prayer, which inspired many members to participate actively and led to numerous conversions into the devotion.
“There is no magic in my leadership or in converting people. We engaged in prayer and asked God to bring us members and people who understand the meaning of worshipping Him. I prayed that God would bring people to Himself, and that is why you see this large gathering,” Bro. Arinzechukwu said.
He prayed that God would grant the executives the spirit of humility and tolerance so that next year’s event would be even greater, demonstrating that God continues to draw people to Himself and that the leadership is making meaningful progress.
The Emeritus President of the devotion, Bro. Emeka Ochemba, attributed the impressive turnout to innovations and fresh ideas introduced by the current leadership.
He said this year’s programme marked a new phase in the devotion and expressed optimism that future editions would be even greater, with the Archbishop expected to attend.
He also commended the presence of numerous priests and urged members to remain committed to a life of prayer, describing it as the core mandate of the devotion.
A message from the Altar of Reparation, Holy Land of Adoration, Imezi-Olo, titled “Humility Is Your Victory, and Through Love You Will Rule the World,” was read by Bro. Kingsley Onah.
The message states:
“In my prayer during this hour, I saw in a vision Our Lord descending from the clouds with numerous little angels. As He descended, the cloud covered the whole sight of His presence. In the cloud appeared the Holy Agonizing Face of Jesus Christ, who calmly said:
‘Peace be with you, children. I welcome you all in My peace. Come near to Me. Come and receive My blessing. Children, in your sacrifice I am being glorified. I am happy to see you all here in this land which I gave to you and to the whole world for prayer and for your revival.
Children, I have invited you to commission and empower you to become disciples of all nations. I have called you to gather My inheritance for Me. Go; I am sending you to the whole world. My little ones and My Consolers are waiting for your message. Go and feed them with My word of hope, love, and peace. Be little, humble, and holy. Barnabas, what I say to you I say to all My apostles: servants of My people, feed My children, love them, and care for them.
Be nothing in the eyes of the world. Let the world trample upon you. Allow yourselves to be crushed and purified for My sake and for your perfection. May the power of humility and love overshadow you all. Children, this is the mark of My apostles. In humility is your victory. Through love you will rule the world. The language of love commands everything and moves everything. Let all My apostles always speak this language. You will rule the world.
In your mission you will always experience hard times. Be patient and work with love. Read the signs of every season in the events of your lives. Follow the Divine Will always and be joyful. In My Will is your peace. In My Will is your rest. I will gather all My flock to Myself through your total submission to the Divine Will.
Barnabas, be strong and courageous as you go into the field of evangelization. As I lead you little by little into the field of My work, be everything to everyone. I mean, surrender to My Holy Will and offer Me the sacrifice of your own will. The foundations of My Consolers and the Little Lilies are the solid foundations I am laying today for this mission to which I have called you. Soon, after much purification, the seeds will spread throughout the world for holiness and renewal.
Then you will witness with your own eyes the victory that has been announced in your midst. The sign of My Cross will bring you hope, salvation, and peace. Children, fear not; I am with you always. Be little! Be joyful! Be strong!
I bless you all in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.'”