By CISA
ABIDJAN, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 (CISA) – The National Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Africa in Abidjan is set to mark its 35th anniversary with commemorative events lined up from Sunday, October 24, 2021, till February 6, 2022.
Announcing the preparations Fr Eugene Adingra, the priest in charge of the Shrine said the celebrations will be a thanksgiving for the many graces received through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“The Virgin Mary, the mother of all the children of God, never ceases to demonstrate her maternal tenderness without the slightest distinction. That is why we want to celebrate these 35 years by simply saying, ‘Thank you to the Lord, thank you to Mary,” Fr Adingra said.
He noted that the shrine has gained popularity among all people in Ivory Coast; Muslims and Protestants who visit the shrine to pray.
“Protestants, Methodists, Evangelicals, and even Muslims, not to mention our brothers and sisters from traditional religions have all trodden the grounds of this Marian shrine to implore the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and they have been heard,” Fr Adingra said.
The shrines foundation stone was blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1980 during his visit to Côte d’Ivoire during which he suggested that the Shrine be dedicated to Our Lady of Africa. The shrine was built between 1985 and 1987.
