Nsukka Diocese Prepares for Final Rites of Late Bishop Okobo and Two Priests

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 
The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has announced the burial arrangements for three revered clergymen whose ministries profoundly impacted the lives of the faithful. The late Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo, along with Rev. Fr. John Martin Chikani and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi, will be laid to rest this September.

A Final Journey for Two Priests
The funeral rites for Fr. John Martin Chikani and Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi are set for Monday, September 8, 2025, and Tuesday, September 9, 2025. On Monday, memorial Masses will be held at their respective hometowns at 10:00 a.m.: Fr. Chikani will be honored at Owereze Orba, and Fr. Abonyi at Idi Opi. The burial of both priests will take place the following day at St. Theresa's Cathedral in Nsukka.

Honoring a Shepherd:
The burial rites for Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Okobo, the first bishop of the Nsukka Diocese, will span two days, beginning Monday, September 22, 2025. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at his ancestral home, St. Raphael’s Parish, Lejja. Later that evening, a Vigil Mass will be held at 5:00 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Nsukka.

The final burial Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., also at St. Theresa’s Cathedral. Following the service, Bishop Okobo will be interred within the Cathedral grounds, a final resting place befitting a bishop of the diocese.

The faithful across the Nsukka Diocese are invited to attend these services to pay their final respects and offer prayers for the repose of the souls of these devoted servants of the Church.

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