Prepare for eternity while alive, Catholic priest urges Christians at Chioma’s burial
By Sunny A. David, Awka
Christians have been urged to live righteous lives and prepare for eternity while they are still alive, as death remains an inevitable part of human existence
The charge was given by Rev. Fr. Patrick Okafor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, during the funeral Mass for the late Mrs. Chioma Winifred Madubueze, whose remains were laid to rest at her husband’s compound in the Umuezedo family, Ireator Village, Igbakwu, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The funeral Mass, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igbakwu, was presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, Most Rev. Dr. Dennis Chidi Isizoh, who was represented by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Innocent Ifeanacho Egbunike.
Delivering the homily, Fr. Okafor described the death of Mrs. Madubueze as painful and unexpected, noting that it was particularly difficult to bid farewell to someone who died prematurely.
“Today is the most difficult moment in my life. Chioma’s death was unthinkable because nobody expected it,” he said.
The priest commended the deceased’s husband, Dr. Harrison Madubueze, for the love and commitment he showed his late wife, while appreciating the management and members of the university community for standing by the bereaved family during the difficult period.
He observed that the tragedy had also affected the university community, describing the relationship between Dr. Madubueze and his late wife as one built on deep love and affection.
According to him, human beings must recognise that life and death are in God’s hands and should therefore use every opportunity to do good, live meaningful lives and prepare for their eventual return to their Creator.
He urged the congregation to accept the loss with faith, stressing that material wealth cannot prevent death when one’s appointed time comes.
The priest also appealed to the public to support the bereaved family, particularly the children left behind by the deceased, through prayers, kindness and material assistance.
Assuring Dr. Madubueze of the continued support of the university community, Fr. Okafor expressed confidence that God would strengthen him and his family, just as He demonstrated His power and love in the biblical account of Lazarus.
“Use the opportunity offered you by life to prepare for your death. God made man to be unique and customised; hence, man is expected to live a good life,” he admonished.
Fr. Okafor further described sin as both an act of commission and omission and challenged university lecturers to avoid unnecessary delays in the academic progress of their students. He urged everyone to examine their lives, embrace righteousness and strive to attain eternal life.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Igbariam, Prof. Kate Omenugha, described the death of Mrs. Madubueze as deeply painful.
Prof. Omenugha, who attended the funeral with her husband, Dr. Mike Omenugha, described Dr. Madubueze as a good man and assured him that the university management and community would continue to support him and his family through prayers and other forms of assistance.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Victor Umeh, described Dr. Madubueze as someone he had known from a young age.
Umeh praised the bereaved as a modest, hardworking, dedicated and knowledgeable individual, adding that he was deeply shocked when he received the news of his wife’s death.
He described Dr. Madubueze as a builder of people with strong spiritual values and encouraged him to remain courageous, steadfast in faith and hopeful in God.
Responding, Dr. Madubueze expressed profound appreciation to the university community, friends, associates and well-wishers for the overwhelming support and solidarity extended to him since the death of his wife.
He particularly thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omenugha, and her management team for their commitment and support, noting that their contributions had helped the university make remarkable progress.
The bereaved also appreciated his in-laws, immediate family members and everyone who supported him financially, materially and spiritually, especially through prayers.
He expressed gratitude to all those who attended the funeral and stood by his family during the difficult period.
Earlier, the Vicar of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igbakwu, thanked the Bishop of Aguleri Diocese for making arrangements for the funeral Mass despite the short notice. He described the death of Mrs. Madubueze as agonising and prayed God to grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the loss.
The funeral ceremony attracted members of the Governing Council and management of COOU, top government officials, politicians, clergymen, friends and well-wishers who gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased and console the bereaved family.
