On Tuesday 10th Sept, 2024. St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Asipa, Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan held a memorial Mass for the immediate past Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Aniebiet Inyang (OMV) who transitioned on the 14th of July and was buried on the 4th of September 2024.

The event was graced by, His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, the Vicar-General, the Vicar for Consecrated Persons, Priests, Religious, Lay Faithful, Friends and Well-Wishers.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Nwune (OMV) welcomed everyone present to the Memorial Mass and thanked them all for joining in praying for the family and happy repose of soul of late Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Aniebiet Inyang, OMV.

The homilist, Rev. Fr. Leo Ukwuani, (OSJ) reminded everyone present that God does not deceive and cannot be deceived. He noted that everyone has their appointed time to leave this world and when the time comes, it is inevitable. 

He admonished everyone to be wise like the five wise Virgins (cf. Matthew 25:1-13). He said that the wise (or righteous) Virgins were those who led virtuous lives and were therefore prepared to enter heaven. The foolish Virgins were those unrighteous women who were unprepared for the coming of the bridegroom (Christ) and consequently had the gates of heaven closed to them. 

According to the word of God, he reminded us those that will not enter the Kingdom of God - "... Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God..." (Cf. 1 Corinthians 6:1-11).

He concluded by reminding all that Fr. Francis Xavier Aniebiet Inyang had served the Lord as a Religious and Priest. He prayed for the happy repose of his soul and that God should have mercy and welcome him into the company of the Saints in His kingdom, Amen.

Archbishop Abegunrin in his address, said that age becomes irrelevant when someone passes away, for in death, they transcend time and become older than us all regardless of their earthly years.

He therefore enjoined the whole Church to dance to the altar in thanksgiving to the Lord for the celebration of life of His Son whom He has called from this world.

The Archbishop further advised that everyone should live a life pleasing to the Lord, be forgiving, less judgmental and do right to others at all times.

In his closing remarks, the Archbishop appreciated everyone present at the ceremony noting that the timing wasn’t really convenient but the turn-out was impressively massive.

He further advised all parishioners of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Asipa to remain one big and happy family, be united to build a strong community of worship and enhance the growth of the Church and her faithful at large.