Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

 

The funeral ceremonies for Late Mr. Gabriel Adewumi Esan, a father, grandfather, and devout Catholic, held between Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1, 2025, were filled with profound reflections, tributes, and thanksgiving to God for a life dedicated to service, faith, and family.

The Funeral Mass, which took place on Friday, August 1, 2025, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, was officiated by Monsignor Joseph Kehinde Idowu. The body was solemnly received into the Church by Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode, while Monsignor Theophilus Fadeyi led the rites of prayer for the dead and the final commendation.

In his homily, Fr. Anthony Fasakin delivered a compelling reflection on the meaning of a Catholic funeral, urging all in attendance to draw closer to Jesus Christ — the true source of eternal life. He emphasized that the gathering was not a moment of mourning but one of thanksgiving and celebration of a godly life. “We are here today because of Jesus in Baba Esan’s life. We thank God because he touched lives and made a difference,” he said.

Fr. Fasakin outlined four major purposes of a Catholic funeral thus: Worship of God – who created and ordered life; Thanksgiving – for the gift of life and for the sacraments, especially the sacrament of penance which the deceased faithfully embraced; Renewal of Faith and Hope – encouraging the living to recommit to a life in Christ; and Intercession for the Dead – praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed, not judging or canonizing.

Drawing from St. Paul’s exhortation, the homilist reminded the congregation not to grieve as those without hope. “Our grief must reflect hope in the resurrection,” he said. He further implored everyone to immortalize Mr. Esan’s legacy by living a life of love and simplicity, values the deceased embodied throughout his life.

Described as a humble, quiet, peace-loving family man, Mr. Gabriel Adewumi Esan was lauded by the homilist as someone who truly lived for God and for others. Fr. Fasakin referenced Proverbs 22:4 to highlight the reward of humility, which he believed Baba Esan exemplified to the very end and is also assured of obtaining.

Earlier at the Christian Wake-Keep held at his residence in Kumapayi, Olodo, on Thursday, July 31, Fr. Akintayo offered another moving tribute.

He recounted how, despite his age, Mr. Esan never missed morning Mass except for hospital appointments. “Even in retirement, as old as our baba is, he remained committed to God, as he will never miss to attend and actively participate in the morning Mass” the priest revealed.

Fr. Akintayo urged the family to draw strength from the faith of Martha in the Gospel, who believed in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. He encouraged them to believe that they now have a saint in heaven interceding for them.

The event was graced by the presence of the Archbishop of the Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, who expressed gratitude to all who came to celebrate the life of the deceased. He charged the family to continue in unity and love, following the example the late patriarch had set.

Following the Funeral Mass, Mr. Gabriel Adewumi Esan was laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery, Oke - Offa.

A reception for guests followed at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church Hall.

The funeral activities concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, August 3, at St. Brendan Catholic Church, Ikumapayi, Olodo, Ibadan.

Late Mr. Gabriel Adewumi Esan, who passed away at the age of 74, is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His legacy of faith, simplicity, humility, and service will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him.