With a Christian assurance born of a firm hope in the resurrection, the family of the late Ezinna Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Anyanwu, joined by friends, well-wishers, and the entire community of Umuediabali Umueze Ihitteaforukwu, gathered at St Gregory the Great Parish, Ihitteaforukwu, on Friday, April 17, 2026, to commend to God a life that had run its course with dignity, constancy, and a deeply rooted sense of Christian purpose.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Chidi Osuagwu, with numerous concelebrating priests.
While preaching the homily, Rev. Fr. Stephen Iloh reminded the faithful that the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and that Christian mourning must always be illumined by the certainty of resurrection. He further reflected on the life of the late Ezinna Anyanwu, situating it within the moral horizon of Catholic teaching, and urged all present to remain steadfast in charity, becoming in their daily lives authentic agents of love in a world often strained by division and forgetfulness of God.
In his remarks on behalf of the parish, the Parish Priest extended heartfelt gratitude to all who had gathered, acknowledging the presence of family members and guests who travelled from near and far, and he described the deceased as a committed Christian father whose witness remained consistent in both word and conduct, sustained in faith until the final moment of his earthly journey.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Collins Anyanwu expressed profound appreciation to all who stood in solidarity with them during their moment of grief, noting the consolation derived from such wide expressions of support.
The rites concluded with the final commendation, prayerfully carried out by Rev. Fr. Henry Odunze, as the Church, in one last act of maternal care, entrusted the departed soul to the mercy of God.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
