By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
The Vice-Chancellor of Peter University, Achina, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Umezinwa, has urged Nigerians to live upright and purposeful lives in preparation for eternity, reminding them that death is an inevitable reality for every human being.
Fr. Umezinwa made the call while delivering the homily at the Burial Mass of the late Rev. Fr. Longinus Egbeonu, held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, on July 31. The cleric, who is also a Prof. of Music, noted that regardless of wealth, social status, or political office, no one is exempt from death.
He observed that although people do not know when, where, or how death will come, they are certain that it is unavoidable. He therefore encouraged everyone to make meaningful use of the time God has given them by positively impacting the lives of others.
According to him, individuals are remembered not by the number of years they lived but by the legacies they leave behind through selfless service and good deeds.
Reflecting on the life of the deceased, Rev. Fr. Umezinwa described Fr. Longinus Egbeonu as a humble, dedicated, and selfless priest who consistently placed the needs of others above his own.
He recalled that the late priest willingly served in various capacities at Church and social events, often acting as master of ceremonies, usher, or assisting with other responsibilities to ensure the success of every programme. He also urged members of the deceased’s family, the catholic faithful, friends, and well-wishers to take solace in the exemplary life he lived and to uphold the values and legacy he left behind.
Earlier in his remarks, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, encouraged christians to see every death as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life. He stressed that death spares no one, irrespective of wealth or social standing, and urged people to avoid pursuing worldly possessions through sinful means, noting that material wealth cannot secure eternal life.
The burial Mass attracted several dignitaries, including the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, numerous catholic priests, religious sisters, and a large congregation of catholic faithful who gathered to pay their final respects to the late Rev. Fr. Longinus Egbeonu.
David Okpala/Stella Okpala are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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