…As Fr Lawrence Onwuaso Buries Mother
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu and Wise Yakubu
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has exhorted Christians the world over, to shun unbridled quest for materialism, insisting that there is no short cut to wealth. He admonished all to imbibe the spirit of hard work, honesty, perseverance, and ability to wait on God’s plans to manifest in their lives.
The Prelate stated this while delivering a homily during the concelebrated Holy Mass held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, in honour of the late (Mrs) Grace Akwugo Onwuaso, the mother of Reverend Father Lawrence Onwuaso, who died at the age of 86.
Bishop Ezeokafor said the late matriarch lived a life worthy of emulation, describing her as an industrious, focused, dutiful, and dedicated Christian, whose life on earth was full of earthly lessons. He added that the late Mrs Onwuaso toiled day and night to sustain her family, stating that her existence depicted and epitomised hard work, relentlessness, piety and utmost regard for God.
The Local Ordinary enjoined Christians to use the Lenten Season to turn to God and ensure they did His will at all times, noting that all would at some point, answer the divine call which the late Madam Onwuaso had answered, emphasizing that nothing lasted forever.
The Commendation prayer was said by the former Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Chudi Akaenyi, in the presence of Bishop Ezeokafor, over 30 priests, mourners, and sympathizers.
In his appreciation speech, the son of the deceased, Reverend Fr Lawrence Onwuaso, paid a glowing tribute to the Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese, saying that Bishop Ezeokafor remained a caring father and a considerate Bishop, thanking him for making out time from his busy schedule to be around and preside over the Eucharistic Celebration.
He commended all the priests present, asking God to reach them at their points of need, even as he specifically prayed and thanked his sister, whom, he said, took care of their mum on her sick bed and stayed till the very end.
Eulogies upon eulogies, prayers during the interment at the graveside, condolence visit by in-laws, relatives, friends, and well-wishers, formed the highpoints of the funeral.