Truth & Mercy Series - June 28th 2026

Truth and Mercy series (September 12th A Special Day)

When I lost my mom 5 days after my 10th anniversary of priesthood ordination, it was devastating to say the least. My entire life seems to have slipped away from my hands. I was desolate and felt the world had collapsed and nothing to live for. She was my great prayer warrior and confidant. I literally let her know all that was going on in my life, because she would always intercede for me and let me know everything was going to be fine. She offered prayers for me at least once a month over the phone since we lived in separate cities. Her death happened 16 years ago and it is hard to believe this is the case. 

I always believed my mom went upstairs and invited the Blessed Virgin Mary into my life. Her mission was “complete” in a veiled sense and the Blessed Mother became more real and I allowed Her into my life and heart. It has become an amazing experience. Our Lady of Perpetual help has been the refuge for me in all situations. I have experienced miseries of all kinds. My wretchedness stares me in the face. My weaknesses are legendary to the extent that only a Mother full of grace and mercy can bail me out. Her coming into my life was like a “coincidence”. I was visiting a priest brother of mine because of my tiredness and exhaustion, seeking a place to take a few days of rest. Lying on the bed on this day, I found a copy of a little booklet on “Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help”. I started reading and doing some of the prayers in the book. But I felt a deep need to take this book away. My friend did not want me to go with it but I insisted and finally he let me have it.

This began my spiritual journey with the “guidepost of eternity”. She brought me back to life from the grave after my “ill-fated” surgery. It will be 13 years ago this year on September 12, 2026. I had prayed, “if you save my life, I would build you more grottos.” That life which the Blessed Mother gave me, led me to Belgium to get some degrees in Canon Law, that ultimately led me to the Diocese of Davenport. This led me to begin a mission in Her honor “Vinum non Habent” (TheyHaveNoWine.com). This has led to many folks being consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary, my Mother, has been my go-to and She has led me to love Eucharistic Adoration and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with devotion. She has fought and won more victories for me than a book can contain. Mother Mary has given me an opportunity to love the Holy Spirit, Her Spouse. She has opened the door of evangelization in the parish, because She is the “Star of evangelization”. 

Our Lady of Perpetual helps perpetually. Since I need a lot of help, it has been a beautiful journey depending on Her and She never lets me down at all. In my experience, those things that I found impossible hitherto, Mary has been able to get for me. Because, St. Gabriel the Archangel said, “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37). We can likewise say, “For nothing is impossible with Mary.” She is sovereign by grace, meaning, whatever She asks, She gets because, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit do not deny Her anything. Our Blessed Mother has filled with grace. She ensures all the plans of God in the Church are fulfilled and flourish. She is the “Victor of all God’s battles.” 

In the light of the above, I wish to invite all my parishioners and friends to a solemn Holy Mass of thanksgiving on September 12, 2026 at 10:00 am. This is to give thanks to God for all He has done to me through Our Blessed Mother. She has never failed to be a Good Mother to me. 

In union of prayers,

• Fr. Nicholas Akindele, JCL