“You Are An Example To All Christians” Pope Hails Late Vivian, A 14-Year-Old Nigerian Saint

The Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis has described late Vivian Ogu as an example to all Christians in Nigeria and the rest of the world.

The Pope was represented by Archbishop Guampetno Dal Toso, International President of Pontifical Mission Societies at the closing ceremony of the National Mission Congress of Nigeria at the Vivian Ogu Missionary Animation Centre in Benin City, Edo at the weekend. He said that the late Vivian “showed us how we can live our faith without minding the consequences.

The Pope expressed his joy that Nigeria has such an example of a young woman who gave her life for the fidelity of her faith.

Also speaking at the event, Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki urged young girls to emulate moral virtues exemplified by late Vivian.

“Vivian has transited from mortality to immortality, but her exemplary life has endured as a model for the girl child.

“Believe me, this is the most befitting honour in preserving the memory of untimely and painful death of a heroine who strongly affirmed her belief in the teaching and doctrine of her Christian faith,” he said.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said: “You must see the hand of God in this. How many times have we been hearing that armed robbers killed people? This is not the first time armed robbers are killing people, but this particular case is special.

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In his homily, Benin Archdiocese Archbishop, Most Reverend Augustine Akubeze, described Vivian as the Maria Goretti of our time.

All about Vivian
Armed robbers killed 14-year-old Vivian on November 15, 2009, at her family house in Benin because she resisted rape.

Vivian, who was from Imo State, has become a hero to Catholics. She has also been likened to St Maria Goretti who died from multiple stab wounds inflicted on her by her a rapist after she refused to submit to him.

According to her friends, Vivian spoke on the exemplary and heroic life of Goretti on that fateful day. She thought the group of young girls in the group about the values of chastity.

She was a member of Joy Class, a teen Bible class, and Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Vivia was also the pioneer President of the Holy Childhood Association of St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin-City.

Many of her close friends in the Joy Class described her as a light to other members, who always helped other children through advice and shared experiences.

In response to a request by the Catholic Church, Edo State government donated the land where she met her cruel fate to the church to build a structure in her memory.