The First National Marian Societies Unity Conference successfully concluded in Abuja after four days of prayer, reflection, fellowship, and renewed commitment to unity within the Catholic Church. Held from April 23 to 26, 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Resource Centre, the conference gathered Marian societies, clergy, religious, and lay faithful from different parts of Nigeria under the theme: “One Mother, One Family: Father, that They May Be One” (John 17:21).
The historic gathering opened on Thursday evening with arrivals, registration, and a Rosary and Candlelight Procession filled with Marian hymns. The atmosphere immediately reflected the spiritual tone of the conference as participants united in prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her welcome remarks, the Host and Convener, Lolo CelinaMary Okpaleke, the president of Mary's Armor Movement, emphasized the vision of building stronger unity among Marian societies and encouraging collaboration within the Church. A short keynote presentation by Fr. Michael Banjo further highlighted the role Marian groups can play in strengthening unity in local Church communities.
The second day began with the recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by the Opening Mass celebrated by Most Rev. William Avenya, who reflected on Christ’s prayer for unity in John 17:21.
One of the major highlights of the conference was the series of plenary sessions and presentations focused on healing division and strengthening communion among believers. During the opening ceremonies coordinated by Rev. Fr. Peter Okonkwo, CMF, speakers addressed topics such as “Mary, Mother of the Church: The Source of Our Unity” and “Mary and Reconciliation: Healing Division in Families, Communities and the Nation.” Participants engaged actively in discussions and question-and-answer sessions centered on the role of Marian spirituality in fostering peace and reconciliation.
The conference also featured practical workshops aimed at strengthening Marian leadership and diocesan structures. Sessions focused on collaboration among Marian societies, building functional diocesan coordination systems, and using Marian spirituality as a path toward healing divisions in families and communities. Reports from the workshop groups revealed a shared desire among participants to move beyond unhealthy competition and embrace deeper cooperation in service to the Church.
A major moment of the conference came during the special evening address delivered by Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke. the Bishop of Ekwulobia. The Cardinal encouraged Marian societies to remain rooted in humility, prayer, and obedience to the mission of the Church. This was followed by a panel discussion titled “What Unity Looks Like in Nigeria Today,” where clergy and lay leaders reflected on the challenges facing families, communities, Marian groups, and the nation as a whole. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for Christians to become visible witnesses of unity and reconciliation.
Saturday’s sessions deepened the spiritual focus of the conference through Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary prayers, confessions, and plenary talks. Fr. Mike Akaigwe delivered a presentation on “Mary, Model of Communion: Learning Unity from Her Life,” reminding participants that true Marian devotion always leads believers closer to Christ and to one another. Mission reports and diocesan testimonies shared during the day highlighted inspiring stories of evangelization, growth, and unity across different Marian communities.
Another defining moment came during the presentation by Lolo CelinaMary Okpaleke titled “One Mother! One Family – Building a National Marian Family Beyond This Conference.” In the vision talk, she challenged Marian societies to continue building relationships, supporting one another, and sustaining the spirit of unity beyond the conference itself. The message resonated strongly with participants who expressed hope for continued national collaboration among Marian groups.
The conference concluded with a Consecration Mass and Talk led by Bishop Oliver Doeme, bishop of Maiduguri . Participants joined in acts of consecration, prayer, and blessing, entrusting themselves, their families, and their apostolates to Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary. The final day featured a closing Thanksgiving Mass and commissioning, followed by words of appreciation to clergy, speakers, organizers, and all participating Marian societies. Plans for post-conference follow-up and continued cooperation were also announced before participants departed.
As the conference came to an end, many attendees described the gathering as a significant step toward strengthening unity among Marian societies in Nigeria. Beyond the talks and activities, the event served as a reminder that authentic Marian devotion must lead to greater love, communion, and shared mission within the Body of Christ.
The First National Marian Societies Unity Conference closed with renewed hope that the spirit of “One Mother, One Family” will continue to inspire deeper unity in the Church, in families, and throughout the nation.
