09/09/2026
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CELEBRATED AT SAINT MARTIN’S DE PORRES CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL ON 08/09/2026.
The feast has its roots in the early Church, particularly in Jerusalem, where a church dedicated to Mary was traditionally associated with the home of Saints Joachim and Anne, her parents. By the 6th century, the celebration of Mary's birth had become established in the Eastern Church. It later spread to the Western Church, especially through the influence of Pope Sergius I (687–701), who introduced a solemn procession associated with the feast in Rome.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was solemnly celebrated at Saint Martin’s de Porres Catholic Cathedral with the recitation of the 20 decades of the Holy Rosary and a Holy Mass presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa.
The Holy Mass commenced at 6:00 p.m. with a solemn procession led by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, accompanied by the Very Rev. Fr. Matthias Abbas Bakoshi, Rev. Fr. Damian Zomahaun, Rev. Fr. John Lazarus of Kafanchan Diocese, seminarians, lectors, and altar knights. The procession was accompanied by the beautiful hymns “O Come to the Throne of Grace” and “Immaculate Mary, Our Hearts Are on Fire.”
The faithful gathered to celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the woman chosen by God to become the Mother of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The congregation prayed for her maternal intercession for individuals, families, the parish, the diocese, the nation, and the world at large.
The Kyrie and Gloria were beautifully rendered by the choir and congregation, creating a prayerful and joyful atmosphere.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The First Reading, taken from the Book of the Prophet Micah 5:2–5, was proclaimed by Miss Benita Benjamin.
The Responsorial Psalm, taken from Psalm 13:5–6, with the response “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,” was also led by Miss Benita Benjamin.
The Holy Gospel, taken from Matthew 1:1–16, 18–23, was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. John Lazarus.
HOMILY
His Lordship began his homily by leading the faithful in the hymn “Ave Maria, O Maiden, O Mother,” with the congregation joining in singing.
Commending the children of the diocese, His Lordship expressed appreciation for their participation in the just-concluded HCA Convention, which he described as the largest gathering of children in the diocese, with over 600 children in attendance.
He recalled with joy the Rosary procession led by the children, describing their prayers as innocent and sincere. He prayed that, for their sake, God would answer their prayers. He also congratulated the children and their formators for their achievements in the competition, noting that St. Mary Gidan Korau emerged first, while St. Martin’s de Porres took second place.
His Lordship emphasized that children are the future of the Church and prayed that Our Lady would continue to intercede for them.
He also noted that the day marked the Episcopal Anniversary of Most Rev. Dr. Hassan Kukah. He offered prayers for greater grace upon his episcopal vocation and for the grace to continue leading the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
Reflecting on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Lordship asked: “Why was Mary born?”
He explained that Mary was born to give birth to Jesus and that God, in His divine wisdom, chose His own mother and prepared her for this unique mission. This preparation, he noted, points us toward the mystery of the Immaculate Conception.
He encouraged the faithful to consider what special gifts they could offer Our Blessed Mother. Among these gifts, he highlighted the recitation of the twenty decades of the Holy Rosary as a profound offering of love and devotion.
His Lordship called on the faithful to seek Mary's intercession, especially during the present period of insecurity. He urged everyone to remember in prayer the parishioners of St. Jerome Parish who had been kidnapped, praying that God would grant them a safe release.
Concluding his reflection, His Lordship urged the faithful to imitate the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, particularly her willingness to listen to God and accept His will.
The Prayers of the Faithful followed the homily.
During the Offertory, the Zumunta Mata sang “I Want to Be a Holy Woman” and “Mama” as parishioners processed forward to present their gifts to God.
The Alliance for Marian Devotees also offered thanksgiving to God for the successful Novena and Feast Day celebration in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
The Liturgy of the Eucharist was actively and prayerfully participated in by the faithful gathered for the celebration. The choir sang “Take and Sanctify” as the altar was prepared for the Eucharistic Celebration.
The faithful received Holy Communion, with Catholics in a state of grace approaching the altar to receive the Body of Christ. During the distribution of Holy Communion, the choir sang “Take Me Deeper in Love with You.”
After Communion, His Lordship led the congregation in the Prayer after Communion, followed by the chanting of the Magnificat by the faithful in honour of the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
CLOSING REMARKS AND FINAL BLESSING
In his closing remarks, the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Matthias Abbas Bakoshi, thanked His Lordship for coming to celebrate the Holy Mass with the Cathedral community. He also appreciated the priests, seminarians, and parishioners for their presence and participation in the celebration.
He expressed gratitude to the organizers of the Feast Day celebration, led by Sir Samuel Uba, KSJI, and prayed for God's blessings upon all those who contributed to making the celebration a fruitful and successful one.
His Lordship, in turn, requested the prayers of the faithful as the Catholic Bishops gathered in Osogbo Diocese for their meeting. He prayed for God's guidance and a successful deliberation.
The Holy Mass ended at 7:41 p.m., after which the celebration continued immediately with further festivities.
The Communications Team of Saint Martin’s de Porres Catholic Cathedral wishes all the faithful a Happy Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
May Our Lady, Mediatrix of Graces, continue to intercede for us and lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
