THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HOLDS REQUIEM MASS FOR VICTIMS OF UKE TRAGEDY

Over 20,000 catholic faithful within Anambra and neigbouring
South-East states, yesterday attended funeral mass for the victims of the stampede at the...
Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke in Idemili
South Local Government Area.
It would be recalled that at least 28 people lost their lives and over
60 others sustained various degrees of injuries during the stampede on
Saturday, 2 November 2013.
In his homily, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Archbishop of Catholic
Archdiocese of Onitsha, urged the faithful to give thanks to God
always, adding "God understands every situation and His-will should be
done always."
Okeke admonish the faithful to give their entire life to the service
and worship of God in everything.
"Nobody knows the time appointed for him to leave here on earth," he said.
The archbishop, however, consoled the entire families affected by the
tragedy and the adoration ministry family.
He reminded Christians that hard times might come their way, noting
however that Christians should endeavour to seek the face of the Lord
and accept the will of God on the matter.
The archbishop also made special supplication for the repose of the
souls of the victims and recovery of the injured.
Later, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, Spiritual Director of the ministry,
thanked the archbishop and catholic faithful for their special love
for God to be in the mass notwithstanding the scorching heat.
Obimma urged people to be encouraged by the blessings of the
archbishop on the ministry's ground.
Mourners wore black dresses, while over 30 catholic priests attended the mass.
Roads leading to the adoration ground had been expanded as well as the
space at the main auditorium.