Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The life of Pa Simeon Okunola Adeniyi has been described as that of a Christian’s life with crosses, nevertheless; he was able to carry his crosses because he never played with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rev. Fr. Lawrence Oke of Oyo Diocese stated this during his homily at the funeral Mass for Pa Simeon Okunola Adeniyi, who died on July 14th, 2026 at the age of 75.

The funeral Mass which took place at St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, Oke – Padi on Thursday, 13th August 2026 was presided over by the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode and concelebrated by his Assistant, Fr. Anthony Fasakin alongside Rev. Frs: Francis Omolade, Darlington Agubosim, John Alabi, Sola Adewole, OP and Lawrence Oke.

Also present at the Mass were Rev. Sr. Tina-Marie Akinwale, immediate and extended family members, parishioners of St. Mary and St. Christopher, Sango as well as friends and well-wishers. The remains of the deceased was received at the entrance of the Church by the Cathedral Administrator and other priests.

Fr. Lawrence Oke began his homily by greeting the Parish priest, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin in absential, the Cathedral Administrator, His Assistant, other priests, family of the deceased and others in attendance.

Fr. Oke stated that it is disheartening to hear that Pa Simeon was dead but there was nothing anybody could do, hence, our gathering to thank God for his life because we know him to be a devoted Catholic. “Whenever we gather like this, we are here to rejoice. Looking at his age, it is thanksgiving. Mass is thanksgiving and nothing more than giving thanks.” The homilist stated.

The priest also reminded all that “we are here to tell ourselves the truth. One of it is death. No matter the years, we shall die but there is a place to be forever, there our father has gone to.”

Another reason for the gathering according to Fr. Oke was to remind ourselves of our baptismal promises. He added that ‘a thing like this is what God uses to remind us of the deeds of the dead and to ponder on our lives as well.”

The homilist urged all to be committed to their faith. “The more crosses, the more we pray for the grace of perseverance.” The priest who wondered why people often run away from heaven; even though it is a better place reminded all that earth is a journey while heaven is our home. He concluded by praying to God to grant the deceased’s soul, eternal rest.

Rev. Sr. Tina-Marie also rendered a tribute in song to remind all that death is not the end for Christians, while Fr. Julius Akinyode prayed that God console the wife left behind and the entire family.

The final commendation rite conducted by Rev. Fr. Sola Adewole, OP followed and the family had a thanksgiving while Rev. Fr. Francis Omolade prayed and blessed them.

Vote of thanks was given by the deceased’s Son, Mr Anthony Seun Adeniyi after which the remains was taken to his place of rest for interment and reception thereafter at St. Gabriel Catholic Church Hall, Mokola.

A wake-keep earlier held for the deceased in the Cathedral on Wednesday 12th August 2026. May the soul of Pa Simeon Okunola Adeniyi and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen.