The parish priest of St. Mulumba Catholic Church, Alakia, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Vincent Okoh, CSsR. has reminded Christians that human lives begin with God and end with God; hence, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) in answering the question: Why did God create us? Answered by saying: God created us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him, so that at the end we can have eternal rest with Him.

Fr. Okoh gave the reminder during his homily at the funeral Mass for Late Pa Peter Adewale Aladegolu at St. Mulumba Catholic Church, Alakia, Ibadan, on Thursday, 23rd January, 2025.

The funeral Mass, which had as the Chief Celebrant, the deceased younger brother, Rev. Fr. Patrick Jemiseye was concelebrated by Rev. Frs: Anthony Jemiseye, Victor Alabi, Michael Nzekwe CSsR. and Vincent Okoh, CSsR.

Rev. Fr. Victor Alabi said received the body at the entrance of the Church before the casket was moved inside the Church in a procession.

Beginning his homily with the question: Where could Peter Aladegolu be, if not with Christ? Fr. Okoh said with the little he knew about Pa Peter Aladegolu and the testimonies of some groups and individuals during the wake keep held in his (deceased) honour the previous day in his residence, there is no doubt that Late Pa Peter Aladegolu would be with the Lord.

“I am always happy whenever I went there to give him Holy Communion, which is preparation for a happy death.” Hence, the homilist enjoined all to give their life-time to God, who only will not disappoint them.

The parish priest admonished Catholic faithful never to pay attention to the devil but to Christ. “Peter has done his, what about you? He was a gentle, happy and generous man who would always assist anyone in need, no matter how little. We are not saying he was a perfect man, for no one is perfect; hence, we pray that God forgives him his sins and grant him eternal rest.” The priest said.

Fr. Okoh added that like Christ, who went about doing good, Pa Peter was a peace maker, hence, he was made the Head of a community and also had two brothers as priests (Frs: Patrick and Anthony Jemiseye, Ekiti Diocese). The priest also prayed for the wife, children and family members, urging them to take heart.

St. Michael, the Archangel also said the association’s prayer over the deceased casket as a mark of honour for their departed member before the final commendation rite was performed by Rev. Fr. Anthony Dare Jemiseye.

A vote of thanks, on behalf of the entire family was said by the Chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Patrick Jemiseye. He appreciated all the priests on the Sanctuary, and most specially, the parish priest, Fr. Vincent Okoh, CSsR. for being there for the family throughout and his class mate, Fr. Nzekwe CSsR.

Fr. Jemiseye also delivered appreciation words from the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, whom the priest added would have loved to be in attendance, but due to other engagement sent the three priests from the Diocese to represent him.

The deceased younger brother also thanked the entire parishioners and appreciated the deceased’s wife for being there for her late husband. He urged Mrs. Aladegolu and the children never to be afraid for it shall be well with them all.

The family, joined by all also danced forward in thanksgiving before the final blessing and interment. Those present to mourn with the family were also served refreshment.

Late Pa Peter Adewale Aladegolu, who died at the age of 65 was survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.