Bishop Okobo To Be Buried September 23
The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has formerly announced burial arrangements of it's Bishop Emeritus, Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo, alongside two other priests, Rev. Fr. John Martin Chikani and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi, who will all be laid to rest in September 2025.
.. two other priests September 8- 9
The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has formerly announced burial arrangements of it's Bishop Emeritus, Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo, alongside two other priests, Rev. Fr. John Martin Chikani and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi, who will all be laid to rest in September 2025.
Bishop Okobo will be buried on September 22, while the Reverend Fathers will be buried earlier on September 8 and 9, 2025, respectively.
The diocese said that the "three beloved clergymen's lives of service left lasting imprints on the Church and the faithful they shepherded.
It said, "The late Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo, along with Rev. Fr. John Martin Chikani and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi, will be laid to rest in September 2025.
Final Journey of Two Priests: September 8–9, 2025
"The funeral rites for Fr. John Martin Chikani and Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi will commence on Monday, September 8, with Masses at their respective hometowns by 10 a.m. Fr. Chikani will be honored at Owereze Orba; Fr Abonyi at Idi Opi
"In line with earlier arrangements made through the Deaneries, priests of the Diocese—particularly from the designated Deanery—are expected to be present at Idi Opi and Owereze Orba accordingly to concelebrate and pay final respects.
"The burial of both priests will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at St Theresa's Cathedral, Nsukka following liturgical traditions and diocesan directives.
Honoring a Shepherd: Bishop Okobo’s Burial – September 22–23, 2025
"The burial rites for the late Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Okobo, who served as the first Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, 1991–2013, will span two days:
"On Monday, September 22, a Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Raphael’s Parish, Lejja—his ancestral home—by 10 a.m.
"Later that evening, at 5:00 p.m., a Vigil Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Nsukka, the mother church of the Diocese, which was also his own Parish.
"The final burial Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10 a.m., also at St. Theresa’s Cathedral. Following the liturgy, Bishop Okobo will be interred within the Cathedral grounds, in keeping with ecclesiastical custom and the honor due a bishop emeritus."
The Church further stated that the burials would be a perfect of "Reflection and Prayer."
"This month will undoubtedly be one of deep mourning, but also of profound gratitude—for the lives of these servants of the Gospel, who gave themselves wholly to the mission of Christ and His Church. Faithful across the Diocese are encouraged to offer prayers, attend the funeral Masses, and support the the Holy Mother Church in Nsukka Diocese, the bereaved families and parishes.
"As the Diocese prepares to bid farewell, the words of St. Paul resound with renewed meaning: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith- 2 Timothy 4:7."
What's Your Reaction?
