Nekede-Owerri, Nigeria, April 09, 2025. It is well with my Soul…Till we meet again, to part no more…were not composed for a birthday anniversary. For on the above date, they were properly intoned as our collective requiem, in other words, the Congregation of Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Claretian Missionaries of the whole Nigerian Organisms assembled to celebrate the imitable lives, and in all honesty, mourn the sudden departures of our highly illustrious confreres Frs Chrys, “Okwute” (and, truly a Rock) and Francis, “the Remnant”. Individually, they unveiled the bests of all aspects of the Nigerian Claretian life like Apostles Peter and Paul. And together, they seemed to have understood perfectly our missionary call to evangelical poverty as they deployed, or better, offered their talents and strengths, both intellectual and pastoral, to the utmost maximum in their different missions. Unfortunately, God called them at the peak of their industry, when the true missionary character is getting bountiful fruitification.
Revd Fr Chrysanthus Ogbozo, CMF left first. Born on the 25th of October 1961, left to God’s glory on the month of March 13, 2025. He would have been 64 at the end of the year, had destiny been a bit patient. No word can be adequate enough to express the person of Fr Chrys. By calling him “Okwute”, we thought he would have surpassed eighty years – the biblical benchmark for those who are strong (Psalm 90:10). A mobile intelligence, diligent, determined, simple, unassuming, in-depth soundness of logic, love for details and clarity, committed to duty, or rather, stubborn to his duties and afraid of any failures, even at minus 1 percent. He was a special package from God to the Nigerian Claretians. You never dragged him. We miss him. Surely, we will miss him.
Utukuzwe! The Remnant! Oh death! Revd Fr Francis Iheanacho, CMF was called to his heavenly home after some time in enervating illness on the 21st of March 2025. He would have celebrated his 72nd birthday anniversary having been born on December 26, 1953. A true Apostle and an untiring veteran missionary whose simplicity was both proverbial and celestial. His unassuming and welcoming character endeared him to everyone. He was called “Enyi-oha” (friend of all) and most affectionately “Onyengwa” in reference to his adorable traditional-cultural ancient Ngwa kingdom. Fr Francis was very consistent, never conflicted opinions while conservative with ideals. And, surely, despite that light frame, you wouldn’t push Onyengwa around, in spirit and in truth. We are already missing him.
To bid these great sons of Mary and Claret farewell, a well-attended Eucharistic celebration was convoked at Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, South East of Nigeria led by the Metropolitan of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Revd Dr Lucius Ugorji. Present were the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Revd Simeon Nwobi, CMF and the Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri, Most Revd Dr Anthony Obinna. The Superiors of the two Nigerian Major Organisms were evidently present: VRFr Nathaniel Eke, CMF and VRFr Augustine Medaiyedu, CMF. Expectedly, both flanked the Chief Celebrant. So also, were VRFr Wenceslaus Madu, CMF, the Vice Chancellor of the Claretian University of Nigeria, hundreds of Priests and Religious from different Dioceses and Religious Congregations. It was simply a day of testimony.
In a very poignant and inspiring homily, VRFr Dr John Ezenwankwor, CMF, the Registrar of the Claretian University of Nigeria, reflecting on the Gospel of John 14: 1-6, enjoined all present, as they mourn the painful exit of Frs Chrys and Francis, to take consolation in the words of Jesus: the way, and the truth and the life. He avowed that “if we follow the path of Jesus as his true disciples, we will not be afraid of death and will experience the joy of being with the heavenly father whenever death calls.”
May the good Lord rest their souls and may their memory be a blessing. Amen!
It’s a perfect representation of our brothers Chrys and Francis. Thanks very much, Fr. Offor.
They were truly sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They lived and died as worthy sons of the heart of Mary. We are encouraged by their dedication, conviction and commitments to the demands of our apostolic life.
May their souls rest in peace!
Fr Chrysantus’s death was a great shock to us all. May his soul and the soul of Fr Frances continue to rest in peace amen.
May God accept and rest their gentle souls beside those of the saints departed. What a loss to not only the kith and kin but to the larger society! May each one derive solace in their legacies. It shall be well.