By: Peace Chijindu
In a vibrant display of faith, tradition, and sisterhood, the Ahiara Diocesan Mary League Association took a monumental step in the spiritual and cultural development of its members with the inaugural Cultural Day Celebration on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
This pioneering event began with a Holy Mass, with Rev. Fr. Sixtus Ohanaja, the Ahiara Diocesan Mary League chaplain, as the presider. Fr. Ohanaja, while speaking to the young Catholic women in the context of the homily, advised them to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary in her purity, humility, and kindness. He further urged them to lead lives that depict exactly where they belong by eschewing all forms of pride, arrogance, gossip, immorality, and other activities that question who they follow.
The high point of the event was the outdoor encounter on the cathedral premises, in which many exciting activities were featured.
The Bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of Mary in the lives of the young people. He exhorted the young Catholic women not to turn their backs on the Blessed Virgin Mary but to always be close to her and emulate the way she lived her life.
The activities of the day were highly competitive as representatives from each deanery worked assiduously to emerge as the winners. Some of these activities include a traditional/cultural dance display (egwu odinala) with participants from St. Monica’s Deanery Aboh as winners, a cooking competition with participants from St. Victor’s Deanery Ekwerazu as winners, and a beauty pageant with participants from St. Cyril’s Deanery, Ahiara, emerging as winners.
In her address, Sis. Joan Kasarachi Amarachi, the Ahiara Diocesan Mary League President, thanked the bishop, their chaplain, and sponsors, especially Engr. Tony Igbojionu for their support and encouragement, which helped the event become a reality. She equally demonstrated gratitude to the members of the association for their active involvement. Sis. Amarachi urged the members of the association to follow the footsteps of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom they have chosen as their model, and also seek her intercession always.
The cultural day celebration, which is the first of its kind in Ahiara Diocese for the association, aimed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse traditions and customs that enrich the lives of the members of the association. The event equally served as a powerful expression of unity in diversity, echoing the values of love, compassion, and service that define the Mary League’s mission.
