By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
Saint Felix Catholic Church, Nise in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was agog today, Tuesday, 26th May, 2026, as Awka Catholic Diocese, Nise Community, Catholic faithful from far and near, gathered to witness the thanksgiving ceremony of the late Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Dunu, whose burial Mass took place, Monday, 25th May 2026, at St .Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka.
Delivering a homily at St. Felix’s Parish, an indigene of Nise and a priest of Enugu State Diocese, Rev. Fr. Donatus Okafor, reminded Christians of life’s ephemeralness and nothingness, urging all to be mindful of their relationship with God and neighbours, especially those under them, stating that God could rise against anyone maltreating their house assistant, adding that house helps could save their masters’ and mistresses’ life when the chips were down.
Fr. Okafor, while delivering the homily, spoke extensively about practical experiences, even as he enjoined all to be mindful of sickness, old age, and death, which, he said, was inevitable, announcing that one’s relationship with people would certainly count at some point in one’s life.
The cleric expressed sadness over the way and manner some individuals attributed the late Fr. Dunu’s illness to inexplicable reasons, wondering why people should be so callous and inconsiderate.
He said Fr. Dunu had concluded his journey on earth and deserved to rest in peace, admonishing Christians to always pray for the dead and as well prepare themselves for their own share which he said would surely get to everyone one way or the other.
A tribute signed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Joel, Parish Priest of St. Felix Parish Nise/Chairman of Nise Catholic Community Central Council and Amata, Joseph, Secretary of the Council, said Fr. Dunu was the second indigenous priest from the community, describing his demise as a mid-day darkness.
‘We still recall the 20th day of August, 1994, that you were ordained a priest. Our joy and gratitude to God knew no bounds, especially when at its climax, we heard your name called out by the Prelate, and you gave a vibrant and positive response. Today, the reverse is the case; for we are very much disenchanted and distressed.
More so, you virtually surmounted the excruciating pangs of indisposition, health wise. Only to be suddenly visited by an undesirable mishap. Bear it, Father, since what we are currently remaining, you were. And what you have become now, we shall all eventually be; given the inevitability of death. Fare thee well, our dear son, brother and mentor, for you will never know/experience death again. Igaghi anwu ozo.’
Over 50 priests, consecrated men and women from Awka and Enugu Dioceses, Catholic faithful from all the parishes the late Fr. Dunu served, and numerous friends and well-wishers, attended the ceremony.
Tribute upon tribute by individuals and groups, sober reflections, paying of condolence visits to the arena (St. Felix’s Parish field) formed the highpoints of the ceremony.
