The remains of Pa Dominic Chiejina Igwemmar, an illustrious son of Achala community in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, who taught throngs of Catholic Priests Latin, the language of the Church, at St John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, have been laid to rest in his country home, Achala.
Present in the Holy Mass celebrated in Latin in honour of the iconic teacher of language of the Church, were the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor, who presided over the Mass; throngs of Catholic Priests from Awka, Onitsha and Ekwulobia Dioceses who drank from the milk of academic wealth of the Achala-born Latin teacher; a former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi represented by Prof Patrick Obi; a former Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Fidelis Okafor; members of Savio Bosco Old Boys Association led by her president, Comr. Celestine Oguegbu; the management and students of St John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha; members of CMO, CWO, among other church organizations of St Paul’s Catholic Church, Achala.
Speaking while delivering a homily in the Mass, Bishop Ezeokafor described Pa Igwemmar as a rare gift from God to Catholic Church in particular and humanity at large.
According to the Bishop, ‘people who help to train others to become useful are like stars.
‘We believe Igwemmar was one of them. He imparted the knowledge of Latin Language to many seminarians and generations of priests,’ he said.
He advised the congregation to emulate the deceased by using their talents for the good of others for better society as he noted Pa Igwemmar did.
Ezeokafor prayed for peaceful repose of the deceased, and consoled his family, urging them to take solace in the fact that their father not only lived an enviable long life but also left legacy, which he said, will stand the test of time.
Rendition of the angelic choir of St John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, added glamour to the burial Mass which took place at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Achala .
(Fides Newspaper)
