Life has been described as a journey in which only those that believe in God will have smooth ending. The Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun stated this while delivering a reflection titled: “Not how long but how well” at the funeral Mass of Late Mrs Alice Folasade Iyabo Ajayi, who died on 17th February 2025 at the age of 74. The funeral Mass took place on Friday 28th February, 2025 in the parish and attended by family members, friends, parishioners and well-wishers from near and far.

The priest told the gathering that filled the Church to its full capacity that “whatever we do today, is not for her any longer but for us who are still alive”, but that “we are only here to pray as people of faith for God to grant her eternal rest.”

The priest explained that the moment a child is born, such a child is ripe to die, even as he added that many were not even born before they died, hence, people should cherish what they have.

The CAN Coordinator in Ona – Ara LGA of Oyo State admonished all to examine what stage they are in life, for they are not in position to determine how long they stay on earth. He supported his narration with a story of a child born with deformity, who the doctors said would not live long but ended up spending thirty – five years while some of the doctors even died before the child.

He advised further that “it is not only at burial that we should remember there is death”, but that each should think about his/her life and then celebrate each passing day of his/her life.

The parish priest recalled how Baba Ajayi re-united himself to Mama Ajayi in the parish and after that remained committed to their marriage promises to the end. However, in the world today, the priest said, people do not love themselves lest loving another person. “Marriage is becoming difficult now, many things are happening. Frustration everywhere. Yet, people still enter into marriage unprepared.”

Fr. Balogun narrated a story of an educated woman, who was made to be full time house wife, because the husband worked in an oil company but when the husband died, the home responsibilities were left for the woman. To worsen the woman’s situation, the husband had willed his property and entitlement to his brother. He then advised women to open their eyes and senses and engage in something, no matter how small and enjoy their lives with sense, caution and care.

The priest also cautioned everyone to know that God will not judge anyone about how many things he/she acquires, hence, they should learn to do things moderately.

The parish priest appreciated the kind of life the late Mrs Alice Ajayi, a certified teacher, lived, sharing all she had with others. “We are so greedy, hence, where Nigeria is today. What legacy are you leaving for your children? Good name is better than material things.” He added.

The cleric also commended the Grandson that stayed with Mama till death. “You’re a caring person.” He remarked. He concluded his reflection by saying that heaven is the goal and Christianity is the best way. Everything does not end in this world but in heaven, where there is always light.

One of the deceased’s Children, Mr Tominiyi Ajayi gave a vote of thanks, where he acknowledged everyone that came from near and far to stand by the family like they did during their father’s burial, few years back.

The parish priest also appreciated the entire parishioners, functionaries and St. Mary, a society that Mama Ajayi belonged to. He admonished the deceased children to follow the footstep of their late father, Baba Ajayi, who renovated the Church’s rest room when he newly joined the parish; by embarking on a project in the name of their late parents. He later performed the final commendation rite.

Refreshment was served to all that attended the funeral Mass after which the remains were taken out of the Church’s premises for interment.