Catholic Diocese of Enugu has committed to mother earth, two Priests, Reverend Father Benjamin Mbata and Rev Fr Victor Onyeador , who died in October 2026, urging priests to strengthen their bonds of fellowship, care for sick and retired clergy, and support colleagues facing emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges.
Rev Fr Prof Austin Akubue made the call on Thursday, October 22,2026, in a homily during a funeral mass of the deceased priests,
The homilist, while reflecting on the lives and ministries of the deceased priests, urged the clergy not to wait until a colleague dies before appreciating the importance of companionship, visitation and mutual care.
He spoke on different personalities of people, noting that priests must look beyond one another’s public personalities, extend practical support to colleagues in distress and recognise their shared responsibility for the welfare of the clergy.
“Sometimes, the greatest ministry we can offer a brother is simply a visit,” he said, stressing that a timely visit could provide encouragement to a priest experiencing sickness, loneliness, isolation or emotional distress.
He identified sick priests, those hospitalised , retired clergy, priests experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties, and those silently struggling with loneliness as groups requiring particular attention and regular visitation.
The Clergy consoled the Catholic bishop of Enugu diocese ,His Grace, Most Rev Dr Callistus Onaga, for the loose of the two priest and commended him for taking care of the priests, for maintaining contact with retired priests and reaching out to them through planned visits, describing the gesture as an example of pastoral concern and solidarity.
He urged priests to emulate such commitment by ensuring that no member of the clergy feels abandoned during difficult periods of life and ministry.
Rev Fr Prof Akubue disclosed that it was the third time in the history of the Catholic diocese of Enugu that two priests were being buried together.
According to him, the diocese had, over the years, buried three bishops, five monsignors and 55 priests, among other members of the clergy and religious community.
He recalled that the first joint burial of two priests took place in August 2009, while another occurred in September 2014, involving Monsignor Anthony Azor and Reverend Father Anthony Ogbu.
The burial of Fathers Benjamin Mbata and Victor Onyeador therefore represented another notable moment in the diocese’s history.
The Priest described the deaths as a reminder of the universal nature of mortality, noting that death spares neither people of high status nor those occupying privileged positions.
He cited Hebrews 13:14 to remind the congregation that earthly life is temporary and that everyone must prepare for eternity.
“Death is not an aristocracy for some; it is a democracy for all,” he said, urging the faithful to reflect on the transitory nature of human existence.
He noted that the priests who once stood at the altar to celebrate Mass and preach about eternal life had now become the subjects of prayers and farewell rites.
Reflecting on the diversity of personalities within the priesthood, the homilist compared the Catholic Church to an orchestra in which different musical instruments produce beautiful music under one conductor.
He explained that, just as an orchestra comprises instruments with different sounds, the priesthood accommodates individuals with different temperaments, gifts, strengths and approaches to ministry.
According to him, some priests are outspoken, others reserved; some excel in administration, while others are gifted in pastoral ministry. Some lead from the forefront, while others provide support behind the scenes.
He stressed that these differences should enrich the Church’s communion and hierarchical unity rather than become sources of division.
“Different instruments, one priestly vocation,” he said, urging priests to appreciate one another’s differences and work together in the service of God and humanity.
He cautioned against judging priests solely by their public conduct or personal dispositions, explaining that human understanding of another person’s life is limited.
While people may know a priest’s public activities and personality, he said, only God understands the individual’s private struggles, intentions and the full circumstances of his life.
Referring to the Book of Wisdom, he reminded the congregation that the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, not in human judgment or opinion.
He called on the faithful to entrust the deceased priests to God’s mercy and pray for their eternal rest.
Rev Fr Prof Akubue disclosed that the deceased priests had different lengths of service and life experiences but shared significant milestones in their priestly journeys.
He said they were ordained by the same bishop, the late Most Reverend Michael Eneja, and shared the experience of serving the Church through the joys and challenges of priesthood.
The Homilist, Rev Fr Prof Austin Akubue, called for care for the elderly, sick and needy.
Father Benjamin Mbata was described as accommodating, friendly and helpful, although outspoken in expressing his views.
The Clergy noted that differences in temperament and approach did not diminish the value of their respective contributions to the Church.
He also acknowledged that priesthood could be intellectually challenging, emotionally demanding, socially tasking, physically exhausting and spiritually consuming, making mutual support among priests particularly important.
Answering the question on whether death marks the end of life? The Priest reaffirmed the Christian belief in eternal life, describing death as a transition rather than the final destination.
Quoting the Christian liturgy, he said for God’s faithful people, death is not the end, life is changed rather than ended.
He also referred to Jesus Christ’s promise in John 14:2 that there are many dwelling places in the Father’s house, expressing hope that the deceased priests would receive their eternal reward.
Rev Fr Prof Akubue urged the Church to pay greater attention to clergy who might be struggling silently, noting that loneliness, illness and emotional difficulties could affect priests just as they affect other members of society.
He urged Christians to demonstrate their faith through practical acts of compassion, including feeding the hungry, forgiving offenders, comforting the bereaved, defending vulnerable people, welcoming strangers and visiting prisoners.
According to him, such acts of Christian responsibility reflect the values that prepare believers for eternal life.
He prayed that God would receive Fathers Benjamin Mbatha and Victor Onyangu into His glory and grant consolation to their families, fellow priests and the entire Catholic community.
The Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah took the first reading, taken from book of Wisdom 3:1-9.. Second reading was taken from the book of 1 Thess. 4:13-18, while the Gospel was John 14:1-6.
The funeral Mass was attended by the Chief mourner, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Dr Callistus Onaga, the Auxiliary Bishop and Apostolic Administration of the Catholic Diocese of Abakiliki , Most Rev Dr Ernest Obodo, the priests and the Religious, the Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah, Government officials, family members of the deceased priests, the laity among others.
There were prayers and commendation of the deceased priests’ souls to the hands of God, before their bodies were buried at the Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral burial ground.
