By: Peace Chidindu
The clergy, religious, family members and faithful of Ahiara Diocese gathered on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Maria Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara, for the first anniversary memorial Mass of Rev. Fr. Leonard Ntiegbulem, who passed away on June 30, 2025, at the age of 52.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Godson Okoro, representing the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, with numerous priests concelebrating. At the beginning of the Mass, Fr. Okoro thanked God for the life and priestly witness of the late Fr. Ntiegbulem, whose ministry, he said, left a lasting imprint on the Diocese.
Preaching the homily, the Rector of St. Mulumba’s Spiritual Year Seminary, Enyiogugu, Rev. Fr. Paul Ohaeri, reflected on the inevitability of death, drawing from the thought of the German philosopher Martin Heidegger that every human person is “old enough to die.” While acknowledging death as an inescapable reality, he urged the faithful to reject every act that diminishes or destroys human life and instead embrace the responsibility of preserving and protecting it. “We are called to be pro-life,” he said, stressing the sacredness and dignity of every human person.
Fr. Ohaeri further reminded the congregation that death is not the end of existence but the gateway to eternal life and divine judgement. He therefore urged the faithful to live each day with eternity in view, cultivating the virtues of honesty, humility, righteousness and integrity, since no one knows the hour when the Lord will call.
Reflecting on the life of the late priest, the homilist described Fr. Ntiegbulem as an intelligent, humble, God-fearing and dedicated servant of God who remained steadfast in his priestly vocation until the end of his earthly pilgrimage. He noted that the deceased faithfully bore witness to the Gospel through a life of generous service to God and His people.
He concluded by encouraging the faithful to emulate the exemplary life and enduring legacy of Fr. Ntiegbulem, whose years, though few, were marked by fruitful service, while continuing to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
On behalf of the Bishop, the Chancellor and Secretary of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Evaristus Mbata, expressed gratitude to all who participated in the memorial celebration. He also thanked the family of the late priest for offering their son in service to the Church and invited the faithful to persevere in praying for him.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the clergy and faithful proceeded to the Ahiara Diocesan Priests’ Cemetery, where prayers were offered at the graveside of the late Fr. Ntiegbulem for the repose of his soul.
May the soul of Rev. Fr. Leonard Ntiegbulem, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
