Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

The remains of Late Pa David Olupooye, father of Rev. Fr. Christopher Olupooye, the Parish Priest of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Ajobo, were laid to rest on Friday 12th December 2025 after a Solemn Funeral Mass held at St. Jude Catholic Church, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

 

The Funeral Mass attracted a large gathering of priests, religious, parishioners, family members, friends, and well-wishers who came to celebrate a life described as fulfilled, faith-filled, and fully prepared for eternity.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Francis Omolade reflected deeply on the Christian understanding of death and eternal life. He posed a thought-provoking question to the congregation: “How many people truly want to go to heaven?” He observed that while many desire heaven, few are willing to confront the reality of death that precedes it.

 

Fr. Omolade recalled a personal encounter with the late Pa Olupooye, who had once confided in him that he was no longer praying for healing but rather for a peaceful transition, having accepted God’s will. According to the homilist, the late patriarch had shared a vision of heaven in which he was told to return to earth until his appointed time was complete.

 

Describing Pa Olupooye as a man unafraid of death, Fr. Omolade stated that news of his passing evoked gratitude rather than sorrow, noting that he had finally “gone home” to a place without pain, sorrow, or weeping. Quoting the Book of Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything”, he reminded the faithful of life’s transience and challenged them to prepare not only for earthly comfort but also for eternal life.

He emphasized that heaven is a fellowship reserved for the just, those who live according to God’s commandments, and urged the congregation to reflect honestly on whether they are living in readiness for eternity, just as the late Pa Olupooye had done.

 

During the Vote of Thanks, Rev. Fr. Christopher Olupooye, speaking on behalf of the Olupooye’s family, expressed profound gratitude to God for the fruitful and impactful life of his late father. He described Pa David Olupooye’s final moments as a conscious spiritual preparation for his transition to eternal glory.

 

Fr. Olupooye thanked the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, for his fatherly love, prayers, and support for the family. He also acknowledged the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, His Grace, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, for his enduring pastoral presence.

 

Special appreciation was extended to the homilist, Rev. Fr. Francis Omolade, and to all priests who concelebrated the Mass, including the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami, who represented the Archbishop.

Fr. Olupooye expressed heartfelt gratitude for the strong bond of priestly fraternity shown by members of the Archdiocese.

He further thanked the Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Church, Iwo Road, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade, the parishioners of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Ajobo, for their steadfast support, and the Management and Staff of Lagos State University for their presence and solidarity.

 

Following the Mass, the remains of late Pa David Olupooye were laid to rest after the Rite of Commendation, performed by the Vicar General. The ceremony concluded with prayers of thanksgiving for a life well lived and hope in the resurrection promised in Christ.

The passing of Pa David Olupooye stands as a testimony to a life anchored in faith, readiness for eternity, and peaceful surrender to God’s divine will.