By Fr Michael Nsikak Umoh
As the Catholic Diocese of Warri entered a period of deep mourning and prayer, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, the Bishop of Uromi Diocese, delivered a stirring homily to begin the final burial rites for the late Bishop John Okeoghene Afareha.
In a sermon at the Vigil Mass in the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Warri, Bishop Ogun framed the transition of the late prelate not merely as a loss, but as the fulfillment of “God’s time”; a journey back to the Creator after a life defined by the pursuit of holiness.
The homilist offered a profound defense of the episcopal ministry, urging the congregation to look beyond surface-level critiques of leadership. He posited that every Bishop operates out of a unique “Christology”; a personal relationship with and understanding of Jesus Christ that shapes every pastoral decision.
”Every Bishop judges and acts according to his knowledge and understanding of Christ,” Bishop Ogun stated. “It is easy to sit and say the Bishop is shy, slow, or afraid… without realizing his conversation with Christ the Supreme High Priest.”
He reminded the faithful that while the Bishop’s actions may at times be “annoying to the recipients,” they are born of faith and the “eternal laws of Heaven,” rather than malice.
Drawing from Wisdom 3, Bishop Ogun contrasted the life of the righteous with the modern surge of hedonism and “Epicureanism,” where life is measured solely by enjoyment. He described the virtuous person as a “sign of contradiction” who often faces bullying and hardship for resisting sin.
He therefore challenged the faithful to move beyond a faith of “signs and wonders,” asserting that true righteousness is found in being “worthy of God Himself” rather than seeking material glory.
The homily concluded with a poignant reflection on the “wedding feast of the Lamb.” Bishop Ogun envisioned the late Bishop Afareha at the heavenly table, finally enjoying the “heavenly dessert” of God’s presence, a reward that repays a lifetime of earthly struggles.
The Chief celebrant at the Mass was Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, the Metropolitan Bishop of Benin City Archdiocese. Present at the Mass were Mosr Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and the President of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference, many Archbishops and Bishops, array of clergy and religious, the knights and good representation of the various sodality groups in the Church.
As the funeral obsequies continue, the words of Bishop Ogun serve as a reminder to the Diocese of Warri that while their shepherd has passed, the standard of Christ remains the ultimate guide for those left behind.
