Transition to Glory: Most Rev. John Afareha, Bishop Emeritus of Warri, Dies at 78


-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​WARRI, NIGERIA — The Catholic Diocese of Warri and the wider Christian community are in mourning following the passing of the Most Rev. Dr. John Okeoghene Afareha. The revered Bishop Emeritus, known for his theological depth and unwavering spiritual leadership, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, at the age of 78.

​A Life of Faith and Service

​Bishop Afareha’s transition marks the end of an era for the Niger Delta’s Catholic faithful. Having served the Church with distinction for decades, he officially retired as the Bishop of Warri on April 18, 2022, upon reaching the canonical retirement age of 75. Even in his years as Bishop Emeritus, he was regarded as a "cherished father" and a pillar of prayer for the diocese.

​In an official statement, the sitting Bishop of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, expressed the collective grief of the community:

​"We received the news of Bishop Afareha’s passing with profound sorrow, yet with a firm hope in the resurrection. He lived his life in faith and obedience to the will of God, impacting the lives of many along the way."


​Legacy and Devotion

​Bishop Afareha was frequently recognized for his outspoken stance on national issues, having previously urged Christians to combat insecurity through prayer and warned against the "love of money" as a root cause of Nigeria's crises. He was particularly known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary, a theme highlighted in the diocese’s prayer for his eternal repose.

​Period of Mourning

​To honor his memory, Bishop Ewherido has directed that:

  • ​Special Masses be offered for the repose of his soul across all parishes and chaplaincies.
  • ​The period of mourning will continue through the Month’s Mind Mass (celebrated 30 days after his passing).

​The diocese has called on the faithful to seek divine comfort during this time of loss, celebrating the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: Agbor Catholic Community Mourns as Fr. Chukwuma Collapses, Dies on the Pulpit During New Year Mass

Image
-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and the entire Ika nation have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and poetic transition of one of their most dedicated spiritual pillars, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma . In an event that has left the congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in a state of shock and solemn reflection, the beloved cleric breathed his last while performing his final earthly duty: presiding over the New Year Day Mass. ​Witnesses recount that Father Chukwuma was standing at the pulpit, delivering the message of hope for the year 2026, when he collapsed in the presence of his parishioners. Despite the immediate efforts of those present, it became clear that the veteran priest had finished his race. For many of the faithful, his death is seen as a "saintly exit," occurring while he was clad in his sacred vestments and standing at the altar of God—the very place he dedicated his...
Read more

Archbishop Akubeze Announces the Passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa

Image
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.
Read more

Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Image
Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome April 26, 2025  Pope Francis Was Killed, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Reveals Chris Oyakhilome, A controversial Nigerian cleric, has claimed without evidence that Pope Francis died from the effects of taking the coronavirus vaccine. Mr Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, made the claim on Saturday, about five years after he falsely claimed that there was a link between the 5G network, Coronavirus, and the Anti-Christ. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown directives, the pastor slammed his colleagues for consenting to the closure of churches. In January 2021, Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines, revealing that he was expecting his first dose. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the pope said that taking the vaccine was a moral choice because it was about saving lives. Claim on Pope’s death While the Vatican announced on Mon...
Read more