Immaculate Conception of Mary Block Rosary Crusade, Odoakpu, Marks 56th Golden Jubilee
By Polycarp Ifeanyi
It was a day of thanksgiving and celebration as members of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Sacred Heart Parish Block Rosary Crusade, Odoakpu, Onitsha, marked their 56th Golden Jubilee with pomp and spiritual fervour.
The anniversary, held at the crusade’s prayer centre at No. 22 Ozomagala Street, Odoakpu, attracted former and current members, leaders, parents, friends, and well-wishers.
The event featured a fashion parade, Igwe and Lolo contest, Miss Ozomagala pageant, “Soldiers of Christ” display, Parade of Our Lady, senior and junior dances, presentation of awards, and the cutting of the Golden Jubilee cake.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Clement Ezekwe, who represented the Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Kosisochukwu Ezeani, described the celebration as historic.
He recalled that some pioneer members had passed on, while others remained active, adding that it was fitting to praise Almighty God for sustaining the crusade over the years.
In the welcome address delivered by Miss Oluoma Nnaemele, the history of the crusade was traced to 1971, when it started at No. 43 Ozomagala Street under the leadership of its pioneer members: Mr. Ogbuagu Paul, Bro. Omaliko Okechukwu, and the late Bro. Agbapulu Onwu.
She noted that the crusade later relocated to its present site at No. 22 Ozomagala Street in 1977 and was inaugurated into Zone 2.
“Over the years, our members have been baptised, received Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation. The crusade has continued to grow from strength to strength,” she said.
Miss Nnaemele appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their wards to attend daily Block Rosary prayers, congresses, morning Mass, and other activities at the centre.
In an interview, the Chairman of the Parents and Guardians Leaders Association (PGLA), Mr. Uchenna Okonkwo, popularly known as “Odelugo,” testified to God’s faithfulness in his life as a Block Rosary member.
“Our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been faithful in my family. She has been doing miraculous work for me,” he said.
Mr. Okonkwo urged non-members to join the crusade, describing it as a platform for spiritual upliftment and deeper faith.
He added that the centre had nurtured many children into religious life, including reverend sisters and seminarians.
In separate goodwill messages, the Archdiocesan President of the Block Rosary Crusade, Bro. Emeka Okoye; the Father of the Day, Nze Francis Okoli; and the Parish General President, Bro. Kenneth Egwuatu, reaffirmed that the Block Rosary centre remained a place of moral formation for children.
They urged parents to allow their wards to participate actively in the activities of the crusade, stressing that it plays a vital role in raising God-fearing future leaders.
The Golden Jubilee celebration ended with prayers, thanksgiving, and a call for continued dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Block Rosary devotion.
