BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU, KSM
A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ekwerike, has re-emphasized the importance of praying for the dead, describing it as an obligation and a vital expression of the Catholic faith.
He made the remark in his homily during the Vigil Mass held in honour of Lady (Ezinne) Bernadette Chinwendu Njemanze, wife of the Owerri Metropolitan Grand Knight of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Sir Eva Njemanze. The Mass took place on Monday, October 13, at the Knights of St. Mulumba Hall, Wetheral Road, Owerri, Imo State.
“I appreciate and thank you all for making time to be here for this Vigil Mass,” Fr. Ekwerike began. “It is a noble and significant thing you have all done to join in this Mass and pray for our dear sister who has passed on. Our sister will surely be happy with this gathering because Bernadette was someone who never joked with her sacramental life while on earth. As we gather here to remember her, it demonstrates the love we have for her.”
The Priest further emphasized that praying for the dead is a spiritual necessity, citing the example of Jesus Christ raising Lazarus from the dead as evidence that “God is not only the God of the living, but also of the dead.”
Fr. Ekwerike expressed his sympathy to Sir Eva Njemanze and his family, urging the faithful to continue praying for God’s consolation and strength for them during their time of grief.
The Vigil Mass was concelebrated by three other Priests: Rev. Fr. Goddy Emenyionu (Owerri Metro Chaplain), Rev. Fr. Henry Opara, and Rev. Fr. Clement Uwakwe (St. Paul Sub-Council Chaplain).
In his closing remarks, the Grand Knight of the St. Paul Sub-Council, Sir Fabian Uwaforoh-Okochi, thanked members of the Order, their families, and friends for their presence. He announced that the funeral rites for the final burial of Lady Bernadette Chinwendu Njemanze would continue on Wednesday October 15, beginning at the Aladinma Mortuary by 7:00 a.m., followed by other activities.
