Several months ago, I was introduced to Celina Mary Okpaleke and her special ministry to the Blessed Mother. During lunch, she shared a special conference that would be held in November 2024. The event was the First National Marian Society Unity Conference. Celina Mary and her team were the promoters of the event. I was so impressed with Celina Mary’s ministry that I immediately joined as a sponsor of the event. The event was held at Mary Help of Christians Center in Tampa, Florida.

This event was a huge success with Mass celebrated by our bishop – ***Most Reverend Gregory Parkes*** on the last day of the event.

On the first day of the event, Mass was celebrated by Celina Mary’s bishop from Nigeria – Most Reverend William Avenya. The keynote speaker for this three-day conference was Very Reverend Chris Alar, MIC. Father Chris is the Provincial Superior of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in the United States and Argentina. He is the host of the EWTN show Living Divine Mercy. I enjoyed many of Father Chris’ books. Two of my favorites are Understanding Divine Mercy and After Suicide: There’s Hope for Them and for You.

At the end of the event, I had the pleasure of taking a photo with ***Celina Mary*** (center) and ***Nermine Khouzam Rubin*** (right).

I enjoyed every minute of this conference and thank Celina Mary and her team for a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Our Blessed Mother and to meet so many new people. Click here to learn all about what Celina Mary is doing in promoting Marian consecration for children and families.

Nermine Khouzam Rubin is a name you will hear more about in the near future. We are both working on a special project that I believe all of you will enjoy. In the meantime, click here to visit Nermine’s website to learn about Water4Mercy! This is an amazing non-profit organization that is helping so many people. Be sure to check it out!

Now that I’ve shared a little about this wonderful Marian conference, I’d like to spend the remaining time in this blog reflecting on the beautiful setting. Mary Help of Christians Center is located in Tampa, Florida. The center spans over 140 acres and includes a lakefront area, gymnasium, pool, and barn. Mary Help of Christians Center is a Catholic and Salesian center that serves people living in the Tampa Bay area and provides many activities to include retreats and summer camps.

In 1928, Mrs. Alicia Gonzalez Neve donated land to the Salesians of Don Bosco to open an orphanage for boys. She gave her property, home, and savings to develop the Mary Help of Christians Center.

Saint John Bosco was a priest from Italy who dedicated his life and work for the young. He was inspired by a dream he had at nine years of age. In this dream, he was told by the Blessed Mother to work for the young people who were living in sin and squalor. Saint John Bosco was called to help young people lead a life of holiness and sanctity. In 1859, Saint John Bosco founded the religious order known as the Salesians of Saint John Bosco. Today, Salesians all over the world continue the work and mission of Don Bosco by offering schools and programs that seek to help the young become honest citizens and good Christians.

The First National Marian Society Unity Conference sponsored by Celina Mary and her team was held in the gymnasium at the Mary Help of Christians Center. During one of the breaks, I decided to explore the grounds. My first stop was to visit the church and the chapel on the grounds.

The parish church was stunning. Two beautiful mosaic designs were placed on either side of the entrance to the church.

Almost immediately upon entering the church, I noticed several display cases with relics. I learned later from one of the staff that over 700 relics are on display in the church and chapel.

As I explored more on the Center’s website, I learned that the word “relic” comes from the Latin word “reliquiae,” which translates into “remains.” I also learned that there are three different types of relics. Click here to learn more about the importance of relics and the many displays at Mary Help of Christians Center church and chapel.

The church and chapel at the Mary Help of Christians Center were so beautiful. I could not resist a video.

Merry Christmas! And God Bless all!

Enjoy the video and stay tuned for more blogs on my adventure to Sicily and Malta!

Book #4 will be ready in February 2025. Stay tuned and sign up below to receive my blogs with updates for the book launch date and a special book cover reveal.