International Science Initiative, Assumpta Science Centre Ofekata, Owerri has held its 2025 Online Rosary prayer meeting for the repose of the soul of late Pope Francis and for the Holy Spirit to guide and protect our new pope, Pope Leo XIV. The prayer meeting which is part of the ongoing May Devotion in the Catholic Church worldwide was held on Sunday 11th of May, 2025.
The Rosary was said collectively by ASCO Staff, partners, volunteers, benefactors, friends and well-wishers from different parts of the world under the online platform “Google Meet”. The different parts of the Rosary were shared amongst the different countries who took time to lead the rest of the group at different times. The first Glorious mystery was said by Togo, the second Glorious mystery was said by Switzerland, the third Glorious mystery was said by Nigeria, the fourth Glorious mystery was said by Italy and the fifth Glorious mystery was said by the United States of America. The countries took their turns to pray the rosary, give meditation, and sing Marian songs. At the end of the Rosary, spontaneous prayers and songs were offered to honour Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Addressing participants at the end of the Rosary prayers, Director of ASCO, Rev. Fr. Tobechi Anyadike thanked everyone who participated in the prayers. He prayed for the powerful intervention of Mary in ASCO affairs. He said the late Pope Francis was particularly interested in the affairs of ASCO especially the Hands-on STEM learning and prayed for the repose of his soul. Fr. Tobechi said we have a new pope, Pope Leo XIV who is a mathematician, a pope tailor-made for ASCO. He urged members of staff, volunteers and partners of ASCO to move on courageously as God was on our side. Fr. Anyadike thanked everyone who has contributed to the ASCO initiative through their time, talent and finances. He said ASCO has so many programmes to hold; ASCO had successfully held its 2024 Christmas Science lecture and this year 2025, the scientific committee was working towards bringing a female lecturer. He said ASCO had successfully held the 2025 Online Teachers training workshop and thanked the team in Gallerati, members of staff and the scientific committee for making it a success. He said members of the scientific committee are moving to equip the Chemistry pavilion located at Ofekata, Orodo through the Rotary Club.
Also speaking, Rev. Fr. Pascal Agor from Lagos Nigeria thanked everyone who participated in the Rosary. Also speaking Rev. Sister Ngozi Stella from London thanked everyone who participated in the Rosary prayers and thanked Fr. Tobechi for the work he is doing.
