By Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie
On this day of the Lord’s Transfiguration, we witness your truly remarkable departure, O great Father. You entered this world quietly, halted the reign of death in the Ekpu family, and now leave with an aura of nobility, the valor of greatness, the decorum of the mighty, the courage of the saints, and the magnificence of a timeless pastor.
For a century but eight years , you lived a life marked by the blazing light of the sacred priesthood, which you upheld for over six decades. The staff of office you held for over half a century, you kept the sacred pages of the divine office alive for over seven decades. You lived a life well spent.
You bore witness to the Pontificates of Pius XI, Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. During your lifetime, the ancient monarchical seat of Benin saw the reign of five monarchs. Though widely traveled, you never lost touch with home. You earned international citizenship but cherished above all your patria, and you received many honours but were most comfortable with those conferred by God.
You knew Eweka II as an infant and guided the spiritual order during the traditional rulerships of Oba Akenzua II and Oba Erediauwa. Oba Ewuare was pleased and overjoyed to see you in his days.
It was a privilege to have crossed paths with you; you were a formidable force, leaving an indelible impact on all who met you. Your life was a candle, your time a pillar, and your death now renders death admirable.
To you, I say not just rest in peace, but reign in peace. You prayed for your children while you lived; cease not in this noble endeavour. The Esan race will always remember you, the land of Edo will forever cherish your memory, the archdiocese of Benin city will miss you, the Catholic ecclesiastical Province of Benin will always recall your greatness with delight and the Church in Nigeria will remain eternally proud of you. Holy Mother Church gains in you an additional patriarch. Thank you, Great +Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, for your life, and thank you for knowing the opportune moment to take a bow. Go in peace, O man of peace.
Great Father, beloved Patriarch, may the angels sing you to the eternal city, may the saints welcome you, may the martyrs embrace you, and may the retinue of your saintly friends who departed before you lead you to the bosom of Abraham, where Lazarus is no longer in want.
Good Night Dear Father
*Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie*
@August 6, 2024
Leave feedback about this