Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Dr. Victor Umeh, OFR, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of three Catholic priests of the Diocese of Awka, Rev. Fr. Andrew Ifele, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ezeanolue and Rev. Fr. Michael Oli.
The priests were laid to rest at the Priests’ Cemetery within the premises of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, following a solemn Requiem Mass attended by Catholic clergy, religious leaders and hundreds of faithful.
The funeral Mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.
Senator Umeh, who was represented at the funeral by his wife, Lady Prisca Umeh, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, the presbyterium and the entire Catholic Diocese of Awka.
In his condolence message, Umeh described the death of the three priests as a significant loss to the Diocese of Awka and the wider Christian community.
He commended the deceased clergymen for their dedication to the Catholic faith, commitment to the service of humanity and contributions to the spiritual development of the various parishes and institutions where they served.
Lady Prisca Umeh, while delivering the Senator’s message, expressed sympathy to Bishop Ezeokafor, members of the clergy and the families of the deceased priests.
She prayed for the repose of their souls and asked God to grant strength and comfort to their families, colleagues and parishioners during the period of mourning.
Senator Umeh urged the Diocese and the bereaved families to draw strength from the legacy of service left behind by the three priests, describing their lives as a testament to faith, sacrifice and service to God and humanity.
