“Immortalise Fr Achi” says Fr. Gwimi at funeral
By Rachel Kogi, CSN
It was an atmosphere of mourning as the Bishop, Priests, Religious and Lay faithful of Minna Diocese and other friends and well wishers, committed the remains of Fr. Isaac Achi to mother earth.
Fr. Achi was on Sunday, January 15, brutally killed by armed bandits who attacked his residence at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kaffin Koro, and set the Parish house ablaze, leading to his being burnt to death.
In his homily at the funeral Mass held on Friday, January 20, at St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral, Minna, the Dean of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Gwimi, decried the heightened insecurity in the country associated with Boko Haram, herders-farmers conflict, unknown gun and others, urging the government to wake up to its responsibility. Fr. Gwimi noted that the government and security agencies are sentries and as such, should be on duty 24 hours and be proactive rather than reactive.
The homily, which was based on the theme, “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I go and prepare a place for you. I will come back again and take you to myself” was also an opportunity to ponder on the life of Fr. Achi. The homilist extolled Fr. Achi’s virtues of generosity, kindness and hospitality, encouraging other Priests to emulate him. He noted that the large crowd at the funeral Mass was indicative of the deceased’s generosity. “Immortalise Fr. Achi by emulating his virtues of generosity, kindness and hospitality,” he said.
While bidding farewell to his bosom friend, Fr. Gwi mi concluded: You have competed well, you have finished the race. You have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits you, which the Lord the just judge will award to you” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8).
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