22/09/2025
Nsukka Diocese Celebrates Requiem Mass at Lejja: A Warrior of the Faith Arrives His Ancestral Home
In an atmosphere steeped in reverence, memory, and Christian hope, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka gathered at St. Raphael’s Parish, Lejja, to celebrate the Requiem Mass of its first bishop and patriarch, Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo, as he paid final visit to his ancestral home, Lejja.
At exactly 8:30 a.m of Monday, September 22, 2025, the mortal remains of the late bishop arrived at his family compound in Lejja, where a brief lying-in-state allowed family members and relatives a final moment of farewell. From there, his body was taken in solemn procession to the parish church for the Requiem Mass.
A Eucharist of Thanksgiving and Transition
The Holy Mass was presided over by the Vicar General of Nsukka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dr. Greg Amuluche Nnamani, representing the Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah. Concelebrating were Rev. Fr. Francis Okobo (a nephew of the late bishop) and Rev. Fr. Vitus Amukwolu, parish priest of the hometown of the late Bishop.
The liturgy drew together a large number of priests, religious, seminarians, and lay faithful from across the diocese and beyond, all united in prayerful gratitude for the life and ministry of Bishop Okobo.
“We Celebrate a Transition, Not Despair”
Preaching with deep pastoral insight, Rev. Fr. Uche Obodoechina delivered a moving homily that captured both the grief and grace of the occasion:
“We celebrate a transition, not a hopeless death. When we were young, we thought priests were immortal. But even popes and bishops die. The Church on earth mourns, but the Church in heaven rejoices.”
Fr. Obodoechina acknowledged the pain of loss in the diocese, which has lost six priests including their bishop emeritus in just six months. Yet he urged his brother priests to remain steadfast in their vocation despite challenges.
“A priest’s life is full of contradictions. When he builds, people complain. When he prays, he is judged. And when he suffers, he is often abandoned. But in all these, the priest is called to serve—and Bishop Okobo served to the very end.”
Fr. Obodoechina painted a vivid picture of Bishop Okobo’s life—a man of conviction, uncompromising discipline, and deep pastoral courage. From his early days of seminary formation—when choosing priesthood was frowned upon—to his decades of episcopal ministry, he remained unshaken in faith and mission.
“He was a sign of contradiction. From afar, many misunderstood him. But up close, you found a man burning with love for the Church and for justice.”
He highlighted Bishop Okobo’s defense of Church doctrine and discipline, his emphasis on authentic catechesis, his insistence on liturgical integrity, and his tireless efforts to protect Church lands and maintain pastoral order. He was, in every sense, a bishop who fought for the soul of the Church.
“He was a warrior. He didn’t shy away from conflict when the truth was at stake. He insisted on priestly formation standards, parish structures, and pastoral discipline. That’s not rigidity—that’s faithfulness.”
Fr. Obodoechina recounted personal encounters, parish development struggles in Lejja, and how the bishop handled local tensions with clarity and courage. His administrative years were marked by decisions that now, in hindsight, reflect strategic foresight and a deep love for the Church.
Fr. Obodoechina further remarked that, despite his strong leadership, Bishop Okobo’s retirement in 2013 was an act of humble detachment. He fully respected the authority of his successor, Bishop Godfrey Onah, and never imposed on the new administration.
“His silence after retirement spoke louder than many sermons. It was the discipline of a man who knew he was no longer in charge and was at peace with that,” said Fr. Obodoechina.
The homily closed with a thought-provoking reflection on death and legacy, inspired by the three last wishes of Alexander the Great:
That only doctors carry his body, to show medicine’s limitations.
That his wealth be scattered along the road, to show the futility of riches.
That his hand protrude from the coffin, to show that we leave the world empty-handed.
“Bishop Okobo leaves behind no gold, but he leaves a legacy of truth, sacrifice, and service. What shall we leave behind?”
Community Thanksgiving and Announcements
Shortly before the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Benjamin Onah, parish priest of St. Raphael’s, gave a detailed vote of thanks, appreciating: Bishop Onah and the diocesan curia, the Vicar General and homilist, the monsignori, priests, deacon, religious men and women, Members of the CWO, CMO, CYON, altar servers, church wardens, security, the Niger Foundation, and the entire Lejja Catholic community.
The Vicar for Priests, Rev Fr Oliver Ugwu, also expressed gratitude to those who cared for the bishop during his long illness, notably Frs. Cyril, Paul, Victor, and Mrs. Stella. He commended the priests working at Lejja, consoled the indigenous Priests of Lejja, led by Msgr. Dine, and announced further liturgical events; Evening Requiem Mass by 5:00 p.m. The burial of Bishop Francis Okobo will be tomorrow by 9am, at Nsukka Cathedral
Lejja parish also provided refreshment for all attendees in a gesture of community hospitality.
In his final words, Rev. Fr. Dr Amuluche-Greg Nnamani, the Vicar General, offered thanks to God and consolation to the family of the bishop:
“Today, a warrior of the faith returns home—not in defeat, but in victory. He has fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished the race.”
Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him, O Lord
As bells tolled and incense rose, the people of Lejja and the Diocese of Nsukka bade farewell to a man whose life was a symphony of service, strength, and sanctity. Bishop Francis Okobo may no longer walk among us, but his footprints remain on the soil of the Church he loved and led.
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May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Teclus Ike Ugwueze
