The death of three members of a family and parishioners of St Andrew’s Catholic Police Chaplaincy, MTD Zaria ten days to Christmas left the community disoriented. Presiding over the Mass of their wake in the chaplaincy on Saturday, 18th December, 2021, the Chaplain, Rev Fr Paul Ogbo defined death as everyone’s destination.
The priest consoled the heartbroken and tear-filled family and faithful with the reward that awaits those who die in the Lord and added that time is the major difference between the living and the dead – because everyone will definitely die at a time when their tenure on earth expires.
“Sometimes, death may happen in a particular way and we begin to ask questions,” Fr Ogbo empathized. “But, we are all marching towards death in order to enter a place of happiness and joy. So be prepared at all times!
“As we gather for others, let us remember that we are all blind people who are marching towards their graves – without knowing how, when and where. Therefore, watch and pray at all times!
“The message of today tells us that the souls of the righteous are in the Hands of God. We are part of the Mystical Body of Christ and He will not allow His part to taste corruption – there are rooms for everybody.
“Baptism makes one part and parcel of the Christian Family and at death, the community gathers again to pray that the soul may receive eternal life. If our sisters lived well, they will be smiling in heaven now.”
Inviting them to examine their lives and to prepare properly for their own death, the chaplain prayed God to receive the souls of the departed into His Kingdom and to grant the family, Church and those affected by transition the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
Mrs. Bibiana Igube and two daughters, Mrs. Jessica Igube Adams (pregnant) and Miss Roseline Igube died in an auto accident on Wednesday, 15th December, 2021, as they journeyed to their home state, Nassarawa to witness the wedding of one of their daughters which was slated for Saturday, 18th December 2021 – the day that eventually turned out to be their wake.
By Olivia Obijiaku