Fidelis ENWEMEKA

 

The National Youth Day (NYD) Cross and Marian Icon have been successfully handed over from Akute and Agbado Deanery to Ota and Ifo Deanery in Ogun State, Abeokuta Diocese.

 

The CYON President of St. Peter’s Parish, Ota, Winifred Achiri, prayed that the sacred symbols would continue to inspire faith, unity, and spiritual renewal among young people as the pilgrimage journey continues.

 

The National Youth Day initiative was introduced by the CYON national youth body. The Marian Icon was presented to Akute Deanery on March 9, 2027. According to Winifred Achiri, the significance of the Marian Icon is to strengthen the faith and unity of Catholic youths in Nigeria. She explained that the Cross was kept at St. Peter’s Parish, Ota, until March 13, after which it was moved to the Iyana Iyesi/Agbara/Ado-Odo Deanery.

 

Winifred stated that ‘The National Youth Day Cross and Marian Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary are modeled after the World Youth Day Cross (1984) and the Marian Icon (2003). These sacred symbols according to her ‘are entrusted to young people by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference to mark the beginning of the pilgrimage of the National Youth Day Cross’. ‘The Cross represents Christ’s love and sacrifice, while the Marian Icon (Salus Populi Romani) symbolizes the motherly presence and care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The original World Youth Day Cross and Icon were entrusted to young people by Pope John Paul II as a sign of faith and mission for the youth of the Church,’ she added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group picture with the Youths. At the right is Very. Rev. Fr. Miguel Olajide Gomez, the CYON Chaplain of St. Peter's, Ota Deanery and at the left is Rev. Fr Peter Osinusi CYON Chaplain of St. Mary’s, Ifo Deanery.