Cyril Olufemi ADEIGBO

                            

Christians had been counseled not to be afraid of death since it is the end of human life span in this terrestrial realm. They have also been admonished that any person who is afraid of death has not lived his/her life for Jesus Christ. This was part of the homily delivered during the funeral ceremony of Late Mrs. Theresa Olabanji James Adeigbo nee Igbodipe of Ijebu-Imusin at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church, Akute in Ifo Local Government of Ogun State recently by Reverend Father Albert Igbodipe, a nephew of the deceased, from Ijebu-Ode Diocese.

He referred to the 1st reading liturgy of the word Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; 11 that there is time for every matter under heaven. The homilist then queried the congregation in attendance how far they have used their time. He informed those in attendance that God will query how far we have used our time either positively or negatively.

 

Rev. Fr. Albert Igbodipe warned the congregation about the consequences of not living a righteous life. He consoled members of the deceased family and the entire congregation not to mourn too much like someone who have no hope in resurrection. He raised the hope of mourners that those who died in Christ, will first rise to see Christ at His second coming while those still alive will be caught in the air. He therefore raised the hope that mourners will be among the first to see Christ. As the homilist gave Jesus’ assurance in the gospel reading of Martha and Mary and the entire mourners at Bethany, that their brother, Lazarus, will rise on the last day so also will Mrs Theresa Olabanji James Adeigbo rise among those who have faith in resurrection.

 

Prior to the funeral ceremony, the Christian wake keep was performed in the Church hall in which service of solemn songs was rendered by the choir. The Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Ajayi, conducted the service. There were various Associations like Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholic Men/Women Organization and Saint Michael Society, Catholic Sisters United in Christ; Confraternity of Christian Mothers in their uniforms.

 

In his post communion speech, the parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Oriyomi extolled the Christian virtues of the deceased Madam Theresa Olabanji James Adeigbo. He mentioned various parish activities like marriage counseling, the couples were involved in. He asked congregation to model their life to Christian life of the couples who were married in the Catholic Church for over sixty years. The Parish Priest made mention of Very Rev.  Msgr. Prof. Felix Adedoyin Adeigbo of the blessed memory, who was the mentor of many priests in the seminary in which he, the parish priest benefited from his priestly experience. He informed the congregation about various parish welfarism for the couples, through weekly visitation when old age could not allow the couples to attend mass. He therefore queried the congregation what people/priest will say about them after their exit. He appreciated the presence of the homilist, Rev. Fr. Albert Igbodipe from Ijebu-Ode Dioceses who happened to be a family member of the deceased, he also appreciated all the liturgical groups in the Church for their participation in giving Madam Theresa Olabanji Adeigbo nee Igbodipe a befitting funeral ceremony.

 

Rites at the entrance of the Church, final commendation and rite at the graveside were conducted by the Parish Priest. Members of the Parish Association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary also performed traditional graveside prayer.

 

Mama Theresa Olabanji Adeigbo aged 83, was survived by her widower, Pa John Adeniyi James Adeigbo, aged 89, children, grand-children, brothers, sisters, in-laws, cousins.