Sequel to numerous writings and contributions on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8^th December, 2004 to mark the 150 years anniversary of its definition by Pope Pius IX, I wish also to add my contribution of this anniversary in African. Despite the cynicism and agnosticism of some modern thinkers on the definition of the dogma, the dogma still remains an article of faith and a revelation. Our Blessed Mother is seen recently confirming this same dogma as at Lourdes in our time in Nigeria. In her on going apparition in Nigeria, she addressed herself as Our Lady, the Queen of Immaculate Conception.

We can recall that it was at Lourdes that Our Lady herself confirmed the dogma of her Immaculate Conception with the apparition at Lourdes in 1858 through the visionary St. Bernadette. The apparitions of Our Lady have not ended. She still continues to gather her children throughout the whole world in every epoch. In the most recent times, her apparitions have reached African continent. Since 1996, she has been coming to Nigeria from one place to the other. In 1996 till October 1996, her apparitions and messages was at Aokpe [Benue State] through the visionary Christiana Agbo. In 1996-8, it was at Umunya through the visionary MaryCynthia Ilodiuba, during which she shed tears of blood in her grotto at Nsugbe College of Education [ Anambra State]. Thus, from 1998 - 2000, it was at Obowo [Imo State] through the visionary Marylene Ezejiofor.

Now, most recently, she has continued to appear in Anambra State, precisely in Awka diocesan headquarters and the state capital at Ifite-Awka, through the visionary MaryJane Nwafor. Another statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary had shed tears of blood in the parlour of Rev. Fr. Hilary Anisiobi fondly called ‘Fada Scapular.’ This happened in April 2005 at St. Charles Borromew‘s hospital Onitsha in Anambra State.

Besides, in this Ifite-Awka apparition, that commenced since March 11th 2003 till date, Our Blessed Mother Mary used to address herself as Our Lady, Queen of the Immaculate Conception. Hence, the apparition centre is named after this title. Her messages, still centre on conversion, repentance, prayers, fraternal love and penance. Numerous cures and healings have been recorded apart from those delivered from demonic possessions and attacks. Usually, her visits used to usher in miracles of the dancing sun like at Fatima. The sand of the apparition site called in the Igbo language “Aja Nso” [ meaning Holy Sand] has been curing people of various sicknesses from one kind to the other especially the complicated sicknesses, just to mention but a few.

This particular apparition going on at this time on the 150 years of the definition of the dogma of Immaculate Conception most likely is to inform the agnostics and protestants that the dogma still remains valid on earth as it is in heaven. It is an article of faith and a revelation. The veracity of which she has come again in our own time to remind us that she is the Immaculate Conception. This is evidenced in the most recent apparition happening now in Africa. .

Hence, as one of the eye-witnesses to these apparitions of Our Lady in Nigeria, I wish to add that those who think that the doctrine is baseless or rushed, should accept that the issue is not merely a rational one than a fact of faith and revelation. Humanly speaking, to use mere human knowledge devoid of revelation and faith will make the dogma sound obscure and incomprehensible. It is a revelation and an article of faith. A revelation because it is not only confirmed after the definition of the dogma by Our Blessed Mother herself at Lourdes in what can be called private revelation, but it is also scripturally evident if one were to reflect on the first chapters of Luke, Matthew and by implication in the prologue of John. It is also sound using natural common sense or applying it to the events of incarnation and paschal mystery. It is fitting and necessary that God should create a being that is capable of giving birth to God.

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