A large gathering of Catholics and other Christian faithful from Anambra State and surrounding regions took place in Onitsha to commemorate the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The event, organized by the Faithspiration Initiative, was themed "Fill the Jars, Make Room for Fresh Wine," inspired by the biblical passage John 2:1-11.

The celebration unfolded at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area. It featured a rich program that included the 2026 edition of Ave Maria Praise, performances by gospel artists, lectures, comedy acts, prayers, and a Holy Mass. Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Maduka Agba, the parish priest, opened the event with a prayer, seeking blessings for the success of the celebration and safe travels for all guests.

Fr. Agba, who represented the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, praised the Faithspiration Initiative as a movement dedicated to evangelization, comprising both young people and adults, including clergy and seminarians. He emphasized the significance of celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary as the mother of Jesus Christ, the Savior of humanity.

Former Anambra State governorship candidate, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, shared a personal testimony of a spiritual experience he had during a religious event in Portugal. He encouraged attendees to embrace Marian devotion and to teach children the importance of praying the Rosary. "I am not asking you to choose between Jesus and Mary. I am asking you to hold the hand of Mary so that she can lead you to her Son, Jesus Christ," Ozigbo stated. He also distributed rosaries to participants and provided his WhatsApp number for those interested in joining his social media platforms focused on the Rosary and Marian songs.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Rev. Fr. Barr. Johnbosco Igwe, a Catholic priest and legal practitioner, who discussed the essence of Marian spirituality. He highlighted trust as a fundamental quality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, referencing Luke 1:26-38, where Mary accepted God’s message about her divine motherhood. Other spiritual qualities he mentioned included gratitude, poverty, contemplation, and resilience.

Fr. George Adimike, the founder of the Faithspiration Initiative, expressed gratitude to God and the Archbishop of Onitsha for their support in organizing the event. He described this year's Ave Maria Praise as exceptional and expressed hope for an even larger gathering next year. Adimike emphasized that the celebration was inclusive, welcoming people from various backgrounds, including Christians and Muslims, stating, "Our Mother Mary is a Mother to all."

The event also featured the cutting of a birthday cake and the distribution of food, bread, and cash gifts to the less privileged within Idemili, Onitsha, and neighboring communities. Performances by gospel artists and comedians, including Sister Chioma Ezefeta and Sir One on One, added to the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration, making it a memorable occasion for all attendees.