ABSTRACT

This article discusses Marian Societies in Nigeria with the aim of highlighting their various spiritualities and therefore, engender more devotion to our Blessed Mother. The Church has, in her various Mariological teachings, emphasized the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the history of salvation, as well as her maternal intercessory role in the lives of Christians. This has given rise to various Marian devotions with varying spiritualities. This study begins with an introduction and clarification of relevant terms. It presents the origin of Marian devotions and discusses five popular Marian devotions: Our Lady Queen of All Hearts, The Legion of Mary, The Blue Army of our Lady of Fatima, The Block Rosary Crusade and The Mary League Association. It emphasizes the importance of devotion to Mary and addresses some misconceptions about the Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, explaining the nature of true devotion. The article exposes the extremism of Marianism, which is a danger to Marian spirituality, and concludes.