The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has formally announced the burial arrangements for three beloved clergymen whose lives of service left lasting imprints on the Church and the faithful they shepherded. 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 in September 2025.
Final Journey of Two Priests: September 8–9, 2025
The funeral rites for Fr. John Martin Chikani and Fr. Ferdinand Abonyi will commence on Monday, September 8, with Masses at their respective hometowns by 10:00 a.m.
Fr. Chikani will be honored at Owereze Orba.
Fr. Abonyi at Idi Opi
In line with earlier arrangements made through the Deaneries, priests of the Diocese—particularly from the designated Deanery—are expected to be present at Idi Opi and Owereze Orba accordingly to concelebrate and pay final respects.
The burial of both priests will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at St Theresa’s cathedral Nsukka following liturgical traditions and diocesan directives.
Honoring a Shepherd: Bishop Okobo’s Burial – September 22–23, 2025
The burial rites for the late Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Okobo, who served as the first Bishop of Nsukka Diocese (1991–2013), will span two days:
On Monday, September 22, a Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Raphael’s Parish, Lejja—his ancestral home—by 10:00 a.m.
Later that evening, at 5:00 p.m., a Vigil Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Nsukka, the mother church of the Diocese, which was also his own Parish.
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 liturgy, Bishop Okobo will be interred within the Cathedral grounds, in keeping with ecclesiastical custom and the honor due a bishop emeritus.
A Season of Reflection and Prayer
This month will undoubtedly be one of deep mourning, but also of profound gratitude—for the lives of these servants of the Gospel, who gave themselves wholly to the mission of Christ and His Church. Faithful across the Diocese are encouraged to offer prayers, attend the funeral Masses, and support the the Holy Mother Church in Nsukka Diocese, the bereaved families and parishes.
As the Diocese prepares to bid farewell, the words of St. Paul resound with renewed meaning: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Teclus Ike Ugwueze..
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