Ondo diocese set to bury 40 massacred Owo parishioners

By Rachel Kogi, CSN

The Catholic diocese of Ondo has scheduled Friday, March 17, 2022 for the burial of the massacred parishioners of Owo. The details are contained in a letter from the Chief Shepherd of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, inviting all Catholic Bishops of Nigeria to the Funeral Mass. The Funeral Mass will hold at Mydas Resort and Hostels, Owo, Ondo State at 9:00am.
Recall that unknown gunmen had stormed St. Francis Xavier, Owo and attacked parishioners during the Holy Mass on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022. Consequently, 40 parishioners were confirmed dead with many others injured.
Following the attack, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) issued a statement strongly condemning the incident and offered condolences to the Bishop, priests, religious and laity of Ondo diocese. The CBCN described the attack as an attack on humanity, where even the sacred place of worship was desecrated.
Meanwhile, Bishop Arogundade has appreciated all the Bishops for their support while eulogizing the Catholic Faith as beautiful and comforting. He said, “I want to specially use this medium to thank you for your condolences, calls and love since this attack in my diocese. Your solidarity and concerns confirm that our Catholic Faith is beautiful and comforting.”
The Prelate called for prayers for Ondo diocese, for the priests and parishioners of St. Francis, the people of Owo and specially for the families of the victims of massacre. He enjoined all to remain steadfast in prayers for Nigeria to be saved from terrorists.