Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu on the 9TH day of November, 2022, celebrated a requiem Mass in honor of one of her late staff, Late Mr. Innocent Ozochijioke at the seminary main chapel. Late Mr. Innocent Ozochijioke joined the seminary non-academic Staff in December, 1996 and served the seminary for 26 years. The Rector who was the Chief Celebrant at the Mass welcomed all present and remarked that Late Mr. Ozochijioke served the seminary with humility, dedication and diligence for 26 years and was outstandingly known for his peaceful, cheerful and calm nature.
In his reflection, the homilist Rev. Fr. Dr. Eugene Odo enjoined all present to keep the temple of God holy as was presented in the gospel, otherwise the action of Jesus on those who were buying and selling and by so doing profaned the temple, will be our lot. This temple he says, is our body. In a bid to buttress this he stated “whatever you want to preserve, give it to God’, given the historical circumstances surrounding the dedication of the Lateran Basilica which we celebrate today.” He reminded us that following from the second reading, the day of our dedication was the day of our baptism. Consequently, we are obliged to live up to the expectations as children of God. He also remarked that the deceased dedicated his life so much to the service of God and the church in a most special way. He was very dutiful and diligent in the discharge of his duties for the past 26 years he worked in the seminary. This dedication was also found in other aspects of his life, evidently in his family and marital life as attested by people close to him.
The Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Dr. Kelvin Udenwagu, towards the end of the Mass, on behalf of the seminary family thanked and commiserated with the bereaved family and urged all to keep the faith, that our brother Innocent is in a better place. One of the family members also thanked all the formators, staff, seminarians and well- wishers for the good and quality times shared with their brother while praying for his peaceful repose.
May the soul of Mr. Innocent Ozochijioke rest in peace. Amen.