*REFLECTION FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR LDY QUEEN AND* *PATRONESS OF NIGERIA* 

In the Church's universal liturgical calendar, we celebrate today the Memorial of St. Teresa of the child Jesus. However, for the local Church in Nigeria, we celebrate today the Solemnity of Our Lady Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. With Nigeria's independence on 1st October 1960, the Bishops of Nigeria dedicated the country to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Queen, Patroness and Mother of Nigeria. 

   In the first reading (Is. 11: 1-10), we hear of the prophecy on peace with the coming of the Messiah Who will judge not by appearance, but with justice and faithfulness. This prophecy is mostly needed at this present moment when our country is ridden with injustice, corruption and unhealthy rivalries at different levels; political, religious and ethnic violence that have led to loss of many lives are bare on our faces. 

   In the gospel (Matt. 2: 13-15, 19-23), the evangelist recalls the protection given to the infant Jesus at birth by the Holy Family through flight into Egypt under God's instruction. 

   Dear friends, we call on all to implore the intercession of our Mother, Mary, for her maternal and protective care of our nation, Nigeria. As the Mother of the Divine King, Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2: 13-22) of our nation, her solicitude over our nation is assured (cf. *Ad* *Caeli* *Reginam* - On Proclaiming the Queenship of Mary, 1954, no. 1). 

   I pray as we journey in life today, the beginning of the month of October, a month dedicated to Mary, we will continue to seek for peace, living in harmony with one another starting from our immediate environment or community. May we be channels of peace so that we can experience that peace which only God can give in our life. Have a Happy New and Blessed Month!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*