On Wednesday the 6th of March, 2024, the Clergy, lay faithful, family members, friends and well wishers gathered at the Claretian University Chapel for the funeral Mass of the Chaplain of the University, late Rev. Fr. Kingsley Ikenna Maduike.
In his Homily, Rev. Fr. Ubi Emmanuel who was one of the classmates of the deceased described him as an embodiment of Humility, simplicity, generosity and forgiveness. According to him, such a lifestyle was worthy of emulation. The Homilist therefore advised family members of the deceased and everyone to be consoled in the fact that the deceased was a righteous man whom the Almighty God has called to be with Him in His Kingdom in Heaven.
The Mass which was presided by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Lucious Ugorji attracted creme de la creme from the religious circle and the lay faithful including the Archbishop Emeritus of Owerri, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J.V. Obinna, the Auxiliary Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Nwobi, the Provincial Superior Claretian Missionaries East Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eke represented by the Vica of the Province, Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Ekwujuru, the Provincial Superior Claretian Missionaries West Nigeria Delegation, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Medayedu, Very Rev Fr Theadeus Osuala from Claretian Missionaries East Africa Mission, the Vice Chancellor of Claretian University of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Professor Wenceslaus Madu, numerous priests and religious.
Other dignitaries that graced the funeral ceremony were His Royal Highness Eze and Lolo Felix Ogbonna, Traditional Ruler of Amano community in Nkwere, His Royal Highness Eze CJ Okpara the Traditional Ruler of Nkwere Ancient Kingdom, represented by one of his cabinet members, Hon. Barr. Sir Chisom Ojukwu, member, Imo State House of Assembly representing Nkwere State constituency, amongst others.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the Provincial Superior of Claretian Missionaries East Nigeria Province, Very Rev Fr Stanislaus Ekwujuru thanked the Chief Celebrant of the occasion, the priests and religious, immediate family of Fr. Kingsley, the Claretian University community, the burial committee, the delegation from Mozambique, amongst others.
Until his death, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Maduike was the Chaplain of Claretian Martyrs Chaplaincy, Claretian University of Nigeria, Bursar of Maryland Staff Community. He was also the Vicar for the Religious in Owerri Archdiocese. He died on the 13th of February, 2024 at the age of 52years.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Mark Irechukwu,
Public Relations Unit, CUN