A Promise Fulfilled: Senator Owie Dedicates Marian Grotto to Beloved Late Wife at Egbeta
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick
Egbeta, Edo State – In a profound act of love and remembrance, Distinguished Senator Roland S. Owie and his family have officially dedicated a Marian Grotto at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Egbeta, in Iguobazuwa Deanery.
This beautiful edifice, a long-cherished dream of Senator Owie’s late wife, Lady Helen N. Owie, stands as a testament to her faith and a lasting gift to the community.
The project, conceived by Lady Helen before her passing on April 9, 2025, aims to deepen the appreciation among the faithful for the special bond between the Blessed Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus Christ. Its completion fulfills one of her final wishes, bringing comfort and solace to her family and the parishioners.
During the grotto’s blessing ceremony, Archbishop Akubeze emphasized the Blessed Virgin Mary’s pivotal role in salvation.
He encouraged devotees to seek solace and intercession at both the Blessed Sacrament within the church and the newly dedicated grotto, assuring them that their prayers would be answered. “If you have difficulties, if you have challenges,” the Archbishop stated, “there is a Blessed Sacrament in the church, and there is a grotto here. When you come to our Lady, tell the Lord, and then tell our Lady what you told the Lord, and then you will go home with your problem solved.”
Senator Owie revealed that his enduring devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was a key inspiration for the donation.
He shared a poignant memory of his late wife’s concern for the grotto project even in her final moments. “My wife asked, ‘How far about the grotto project at St. Stephen’s Egbeta?'” Senator Owie recounted.
“I replied that the project is going very well, and she said, ‘I want the grotto to be completed before I travel,’ and I didn’t know the traveling was to go [pass away].” Though Lady Helen could not witness its completion, her wish has been lovingly fulfilled.
The parish priest of St. Stephen Egbeta, Rev. Fr. Augustine Obazee, expressed immense gratitude for the donation, hailing the grotto as “a very beautiful edifice.” He offered prayers for continued blessings upon Senator Owie and his family for their generosity.
The sentiment was echoed by overjoyed parishioners. Eki Owie-Ogbeni, the donor’s daughter, highlighted the grotto’s profound personal significance: “This grotto was built in honor of my Mum, who passed and triumphed unto glory on the 9th of April 2025. She is the most amazing mum, wife, grandmother, and she is our best friend.”
Parishioners like Simon Atoo and Ekozin Ola shared their excitement. “I am very happy, I am so excited that we have grotto that we can be praying for, and our mother Mary will intercede for us,” said Atoo, while Ola added, “We are grateful, the grotto is finally here; our mother Mary has been doing signs and wonders in our lives.”
The Owie family has a history of donating Marian grottos to various Catholic churches annually, and they are committed to continuing this tradition in memory of their departed matriarch, ensuring Lady Helen’s legacy of faith and generosity endures.
