On September 13, 2026, Celestine Amoke, an Editor at Independent Newspapers, delivered a talk titled 'Mary: Born For A Purpose' at St. Paul Catholic Parish, Ibafo, during the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebration's theme, 'Let it be done to me according to your word' (Luke 1:38), focused on Mary's response to God's call and the lessons her life offers Christians, families, and young people. Amoke, a Legionary, emphasized that Mary's life had a unique place in God's plan of salvation.
Amoke stressed that Christians have been urged to emulate the faith, humility, obedience, and courage of the Blessed Virgin Mary by discovering and fulfilling God's purpose for their lives. According to him, Mary was born for a purpose and ultimately became the mother of Jesus Christ through her total openness to God's will. He challenged parishioners to see their own lives in the light of Mary's experience, stressing that every human being was created for a purpose.
Drawing from Psalm 139:13–16, Amoke said human dignity came from God and not from wealth, education, social status, political influence, possessions, or professional achievements. He noted that God knew every person before birth and had a purpose for every life. The Nativity of Mary demonstrated how God could work gradually through families, generations, and seemingly ordinary circumstances to accomplish His purposes.
Amoke highlighted Mary's response to the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus. He observed that Mary did not have all the answers before accepting God's will but trusted God despite her questions and uncertainty. Mary's famous response, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word," represented an act of complete faith and surrender that changed the course of salvation history.
The speaker urged Christians to apply the same spirit of obedience to their daily lives, asking them to consider what God might be calling them to do. He urged them to forgive others, return to the sacraments, strengthen their marriages, spend more time with their children, abandon dishonest practices, reconcile with family members, and become more committed to parish life. Amoke also warned against allowing fear to prevent Christians from responding to God's call.
Amoke reminded the congregation that saying 'yes' to God did not necessarily guarantee a life without difficulties. Referring to Mary's experience, particularly her presence at the foot of the Cross, he said Christian discipleship could involve suffering and sacrifice. He urged Catholics to remain faithful to God even during difficult moments. Amoke also described the home as the first school of faith and urged parents to pay greater attention to the spiritual and moral formation of their children.
The speaker used Mary's story to challenge young Catholics to recognize that age should not prevent them from responding to God's call. He encouraged young people to pray, serve, evangelize, resist negative peer pressure, reject drug abuse and immoral behavior, and remain committed to their faith. Amoke's talk aimed to inspire Christians to emulate Mary's faith, humility, obedience, and courage in their daily lives.
Key points
- Christians urged to emulate Blessed Virgin Mary's faith, humility, obedience, and courage.
