“WE WILL NOT RETREAT”: BISHOP KUNDI’S RESOLUTE MESSAGE AT FR. SYLVESTER’S FUNERAL

By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN

In the face of unrelenting tragedy and adversity, Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi, the shepherd of Kafanchan Diocese in northern Nigeria, has issued a rallying cry to his flock: stand firm, undaunted, and continue spreading the light of Christ.

Delivering a powerful homily on 14 March 2025, at the Funeral Mass of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, a 4-year-old priest brutally murdered on Ash Wednesday, Bishop Kundi declared, “We will not retreat, we will continue with the light of Christ until the work of Satan comes under the light of Christ.”

The bishop’s message served as a testament to his resilience and courage in the face of persecution and violence, which his diocese, like many Christian bodies in northern Nigeria, has endured all too often. Fr. Sylvester’s tragic death sent shockwaves throughout the diocese, but Bishop Kundi’s words inspired his flock to remain steadfast in their commitment to their faith.Bishop John Niyiring of the Diocese of Kano attended the Funeral Mass, offering his condolences and solidarity. The packed Cathedral was a somber and reflective setting, as Bishop Kundi’s homily paid tribute to Fr. Sylvester’s impactful life and legacy. He also linked the funeral occasion to the significance of Ash Wednesday, highlighting the day’s themes of mortality and repentance, which had taken on a deeper meaning in the face of Fr. Sylvester’s death.

Despite the sorrow, Bishop Kundi encouraged his flock to remain hopeful and committed to their faith. His message resonated with the large turnout of priests, religious, and lay faithful who attended the Funeral Mass from within and surrounding dioceses, demonstrating their solidarity and support.

The sad experience in Kafanchan diocese is also tempered by the stark reality of the many priests, religious, and pastoral agents still being held captive. The recent kidnapping and tragic death of seminarian Peter Andrew in Auchi serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers and risks faced by clergy, religious, and Nigerians as a whole.