LIFE STORY OF THE SERVANT OF GOD, VIVIAN UCHECHI OGU (1995 - 2009)
Vivian Uchechi Ogu was a 14-year-old girl who lived an exemplary holy life through her missionary works and died a heroic death by opting to be killed rather than being sexually defiled.
BIOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
Vivian was born in Benin City on the 1st of April, 1995 to the catholic family of Mr. and Mrs Peter Ogu of Enyiogugu of Aboh-Mbaise Local government area of Imo State, Nigeria. She was the second out of four children.
CHILDHOOD
Vivian attended Air Force Nursery and Primary School where she distinguished herself as the most intelligent pupil in her class. She was a parishioner of St. Paul Catholic Church Airport Road Benin City. She was a member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the choir mistress of the children's choir, and the president of the Holy Childhood Association in the parish, where she made a remarkable impact both at the parish and Archdiocesan level.
She was always found instructing and guiding other kids on the necessary of maintaining their purity and defending their virginity, even if it meant giving their lives.
WORKS
The Servant of God, Vivian Ogu Engagements in Pastoral activities at the age of Nine.
Vivian began to publicly demonstrate her zeal and courage in speaking to other children on the dignity of purity and virginity.
She had a self-determined goal to live an exemplary Christian Life, with which she inspired other young people to greater spirituality and love for humanity.
When the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) wad inaugurated in the parish of St. Paul in 2006, Vivian was unanimously elected as the first president.
As the president of the holy childhood association, at the age of nine years, she mobilized funds to pay the bill of many poor children in the Central hospital, Benin City. She organized several visits to orphanage homes where she touched the lives of so many poor orphans.
The Servant of God Vivian was quite young but very committed both at Church and School.
She joined the Sunday school community and later the choir.
Through her inspiration, the Parish council approved the children's choir which grew from about twenty children to nearly sixty children at the time of her death.
This choir frequently won first place in the various musical competitions organized by the Holy Childhood Association, from 2007 right up to the most recent ones.
She almost always took part in special events organized by the Church, such as the yearly Children's day celebration, the Annual children mission day, the Christmas carol service as well as the end-of-year Thanksgiving.
In addition she took part in almost all the activities in the parish community where the children are given the responsibility of organizing liturgical activities for the day, she will take either the reading or prayer of the faithful.
As a renowned preacher, she inspired and mentored so many children and even youths, especially in her parish and her School in following the path of holiness and defending the dignity of virginity, following the footsteps of *St. Maria Goretti, her favourite saint,* of who she always teach other children about.
At the age of thirteen, she already embarked on the development of her commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. She had reached the 16th chapter of that Gospel before her death.
Vivian played a prominent role in the yearly Teen Camp meetings which began in 2007 where they encouraged young people's active participation in the Sunday Eucharist and further catechesis on the liturgy.
She was in Senior Secondary II in Greater Tomorrow Secondary School and the assistant prayer leader in her school before her death.
ABOUT THE CHRIST THE KING PROCESSION TOMORROW
Dear Catholics, tomorrow is the Solemnity of Christ the King. In almost all the parishes tomorrow, there will be a procession. As you go for the procession, please keep the following points in mind:
1. It is not a gyration, nor is it a fitness walk. It is a Eucharistic Procession, a solemn act of faith and adoration of Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Walk with reverence and meditate on Christ’s kingship over your life and the world.
2. Sing and dance responsibly. Your singing and dancing should be expressions of worship, not distractions. Let your movements and songs glorify Christ, the King of the Universe, in a dignified and prayerful way.
3. Avoid excessive use of phones. The procession is not a time to focus on capturing videos and pictures. While documenting moments may have its place, prioritize your spiritual participation over turning the event into a social media showcase.
4. Adore the Lord with all your heart. Gaze upon the Blessed Sacrament with love and devotion, recognizing Jesus as your King and Savior. Spend the time in silent prayers or meditations as He passes by.
5. Dress modestly and appropriately. Your attire should reflect the solemnity of the occasion and show respect for the Eucharistic Lord.
6. Respect order and unity. Follow the directions of those coordinating the procession. Avoid behaviors that disrupt the prayerful atmosphere or draw undue attention to yourself.
7. Make it a time of intercession. Offer prayers for peace, justice, and the reign of Christ in the world. Bring before Him the needs of the Church, your community, and your personal life.
8. Be mindful of the Blessed Sacrament. When the Eucharist passes by, bow or kneel in reverence. Remember, this is Christ Himself, the King of Kings.
9. Focus on the spiritual purpose. The procession is a public witness to Christ’s kingship over all creation. Let it deepen your faith and renew your commitment to follow Him.
10. End with thanksgiving. After the procession, participate fully in any concluding prayers or blessings. Spend a moment in silent gratitude, asking Christ to reign in every aspect of your life.
11. Finally, be security conscious.
Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch