Mrs. Martha Onolensele Esene (63) of St. Francis Catholic Church, Sanyo-Soka, Ibadan slept in the Lord on January 2, 2025 and was giving a befitting burial on January 15, 2025 in her home town, Uromi, Edo State.

The burial which took place after a Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev. Father Okafo Micheal, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Utako was attended by a large number of people (Catholics and non-Catholics). The Celebrant on seeing the large turnout expressed his appreciation and encouraged the crowd to live life worthy of emulation and work for eternal life! He also expressed his sympathy to the family of the deceased.

When Martha took ill over 17 years ago, she was certain that she would live long and God heard her prayer. Anonymous once said, “Doubt sees the darkest night, faith sees the day; doubt dreads to a stop, faith soars on high.”  As a devoted member of “Mother of Perpetual Help” she took solace in praying the Rosary regularly with faith. She left us with beautiful memories and her love is still with us.

Her husband, John Esene and his family thanked God for the gift of Martha Esene whose virtues cannot be over-emphasized or forgotten easily. One of such virtues is her willingness to forgive those who offended her. Shortly before her death, she heard some people mocking her because of her health condition. After a short prayer, she walked up to them and recounted all they said about her. They were surprised when she forgave them and presented a gift to them. She returned home smiling

Wisdom 3:4 says, “It might appear that the righteous have suffered punishment, but they have the confident hope of immortality.” O Lord, let your perpetual light shine on Martha Onolensele Esene. May her gentle soul rest in peace!