Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred Odo
An Evaluation
This is an apostolate birthed through the revelation given by the Lord to Rev. Sr. Mary Ursula Osinakachukwu (DMMM) in 2011.
The purpose of the revelation according to the Rev. Sr., is to let people know that it is
the concern of Our Lord Jesus Christ that the people of God and the world at large are not
mindful of and are not committed to reliving the very ultimate sacrifice of his passion and the
agony he passed through and the eventual crucifixion he accepted for the redemption of
mankind. The Lord Jesus Christ continues to go through this agony even today because
people continue to live in the same or even worse sins that made him make the ultimate
sacrifice. It is the desire of Our Lord that people should console him in this agony by living
good lives devoid of all evil and wickedness. Our Lord would like people of God to engage in
a devotional prayer as revealed, to make reparation for the sins of the world and conversion
of sinners, making all people to belong to the reign of the Lord on earth and achieve heaven.
It is to achieve the above that the apostolate and devotion through the Rosary of Crucifixion
is given to be a form of spiritual journey.
Just as the re-enactment of the last supper and passion of Our Lord are rendered
present through the frequent celebration of the Holy Mass, so also is the calvary journey and
the crucifixion of Jesus Our Lord are rendered present and sustained through the Apostolate
of the devotion to the Rosary of Crucifixion. This apostolate thus assists the devotees in
participating in the mission of Redemptive work of Christ, through which we console Our
Lord Jesus Christ in the agony of his passion and crucifixion, and at the same time serving
the purpose of obtaining reparation for our sins and the sins of the world, and additionally
obtaining other graces and favours from the Lord. Our goal is that walking the way of Christ
leads us to the resurrection victory with Christ (Rom. 6:8). And eternal life is our target.
Rev. Fr. Freddy Warner (SMA)
An Evaluation
And, from St Paul we hear that, “what proves that God loves us is that while we were still in our sins God died for us”. (Romans 5:8).
Repentance for sin has fallen somewhat out of fashion in recent times. Sin itself is now rarely confessed and confessionals have for the most part come to be regarded as museum pieces. And yet both secular society and the Church itself continue to be bedevilled by the very reality we attempt to consign to the past, namely, the awful reality of sin.
“To say that we have no sin is to call God a liar”. St John, Apostle and evangelist, tells us. (1John 1:10). And, from St Paul we hear that, “what proves that God loves us is that while we were still in our sins God died for us”. (Romans 5:8). In fact, the very name of Jesus relates to our sins. “You shall call his name Jesus for he is the one who will save his people from their sins”, the Angel said to St Joseph, (Matthew 1:21). Until I come to recognize my own sins – the sins I have committed through my own fault – and confess them, there can be no true repentance and so no true belief in the Gospel of God’s love for me on Calvary. On the day of Pentecost when Peter first stood up to preach the Gospel, he began by pointing out to the people their sins. “They were cut to the heart”, (Acts 2:37) and said, “what are we to do?” Peter replied, “Repent, and every one of you must be baptised for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”. (Acts 2:38).
This is the purpose of the Rosary of Crucifixion being offered to us by Rev. Sister Mary Ursula Osinakachukwu Igbokwe of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy (DMMM). It is meant to cut us to the heart, to move us to repent of our sins, and to open us to the Gospel of God’s love for the poor sinner. Carrying the Rosary of Crucifixion in our hands we accompany Jesus to Calvary by way of the traditional 14 Stations of the Cross. At each station we pause for a meditation. The crimson-coloured rosary we hold in our hands, reminds us of the Precious Blood of Jesus poured out in love for us. The rosary itself is divided into 14 sections. Each section is divided by a single bead that represents the meditation. After listening to the meditation, we then recite 14 times on each section of the rosary, “JESUS YOU WENT TO CALVARY FOR ME, HAVE MERCY ON ME AND SAVE THE WHOLE WORLD”.
This Rosary of Crucifixion is offered to us as a light in that darkness caused by suffering and sin. It guides us to Jesus who suffered so much for our sake. And it brings us peace, God’s peace.
Rev. Fr. Freddy Warner (SMA)
Our Lady of the Rosary & St Patrick Catholic Church, Walthamstow, London, United Kingdom.