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Christians have been advised to see death as a necessary end with a solid hope in the resurrection of Christ. The Registrar of Claretian University of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. John Ezenwankwor gave the advice on Wednesday the 9th of April 2025, during the funeral Mass of the late Rev. Frs. Francis Iheanacho and Chrysanthus Nnaemeka Ogbozo, at the Claretian Martyrs' Chapel of the Claretian University, Maryland, Nekede Owerri, Imo State.

The Homilist praised the deceased for their unwavering religious commitment deeply rooted in their sense of accountability, hard work and selflessness. He described Fr. Chrysanthus Ogbozo as an erudite scholar and a workerholic who was known for due diligence and excellence in the discharge of his academic duties, yet, he was humble and kind.

The Registrar admonished the faithful to always get prepared for their own happy end, since no one knows the hour it will come.

The Mass which was presided over by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Excellency, Most Reverend Dr. Lucius Ugorji, was attended by the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Simeon Nwobi, the Provincial Superior of Claretian Missionaries East Nigeria Province, Very Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eke, the Superior of Claretian Missionaries, Independent Delegation of West Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Medaiyedu, the Vice Chancellor of Claretian University of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Professor Wenceslous Madu who led the CUN Staff and Students, as well the Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu, Very Rev. Fr. Professor Albert Ikpenwa, numerous Priests and Religious, family members of Frs. Francis and Chrysanthus, as well as the lay faithful from all walks of life.

In their separate biographies read shortly before the end of the Mass by the Provincial Secretary of Claretian Missionaries, East Nigeria Province, Rev. Fr. Dominic Ukpong, Fr. Francis hailed from Obioma Ngwa in Aba Diocese, and was ordained a priest in 1991. He worked in several capacities as Bursar of the Postulate, Theologate and Farm Manager of the Congregation, amongst other assignments.

Fr. Chrysanthus Ogbozo hailed from Udi in Enugu Diocese. He was ordained a priest in 1989. After his ordination, he was sent to Rome for further Studies. Upon his return from Studies, he began to lecture at the Claretian Institute of Philosophy, Maryland Nekede, where he rose to the rank of Rector. He was also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Claretian University of Nigeria.

In his vote of thanks, the Provincial Superior of Claretian Missionaries East Nigeria Province, Very Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eke thanked the presiding Bishop and his counterpart from Ahiara Diocese for attending the event. He equally thanked the Priests and Religious present for coming to sympathise with them. The Provincial Superior further consoled the families of the deceased, and assured them of the Congregation's continued relationship and togetherness with them despite the demise of their brothers. He appreciated the CIP Alumni, those whose assisted Fr. Ogbozo in Bauchi and conveyed his body back home; he equally announced the condolence messages of some Bishops and Priests who could not attend the burial, and finally wished everyone a safe journey to their various destinations.

May the souls Rev. Frs. Chrysanthus Ogbozo and Francis Iheanacho rest in perfect peace. Mark Irechukwu, Public Relations Unit, CUN.

Mark Irechukwu, 
Public Relations Unit, CUN.