Reverend Father Clement Chisom Onyemelukwe (Bishop) has been laid to rest amid eulogies.
The burial Mass which was held at St Joseph Cathedral, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State attracted numerous priests, religious and people of God.
In his remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence, Peter Eberechukwu Cardinal Okpaleke thanked God for the impactful life Fr Clement lived as a priest. He prayed to God to forgive his shortcomings and give him eternal rest, even as he commended the Onyemelukwe family for offering their son to God.
He also prayed for God to help everyone to prepare and lead a good life in order to make heaven, at last.
In his homily, Fr Anthony Mbaonu said that in every condition one will praise God for his will must be done.
In his words: “Fr Clement carried his cross without complaint. He worked hard till death. I am sure he prepared himself well before answering God’s call”
He further reminded people to know that everybody must die.
“We shall get ready. Accept the cross that comes your way. We thank God for our brother Clement, he worked very well and was steadfast as a priest. His hope was in resurrection, the reason he carried the cross to the end.”
He also admonished people not to reject any cross given to them by God, in order to make heaven. He urged them to ask God for the grace to bear it.
However, Fr. Mbaonu regretted that the 1999 set of Ekwulobia diocesan priests lost Fr Clement, after losing one recently.
On his part, the Chairman, Association of Diocesan Priests Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia (ADP-CADEK), Fr John Umeojiakor described Fr Clement as a calm, cool, prayerful and friendly priest; dedicated to duty despite his health challenges.
The Director, Priests Welfare Home, Awka where Fr Clement lived, Fr Emmanuel Udu had these to say: “Fr Clement was a jolly good fellow, no dull moment with him. He is reserved and very prayerful. He had health challenges, but he carried his cross without complaints.”
Another priest, an indigene of Igboukwu, Fr Henry Nnajiofor who was ordained the same day with Fr Clement noted that Fr Clement was a quite good fellow that knows what he wants, with a good sense of humour.
“He was very hardworking, even in health challenges in order to serve the church,” he said.
His elder brothers, Chief Joseph Onyemelukwe and Martin Onyemelukwe eulogized their brother’s good qualities and stated that he will remain evergreen. They appreciated all that gathered to be with them.
His eldest sister, Mrs Pauline Nweze explained that Fr Clement had the vocation to be a priest from childhood but because of some circumstances was unable to enter seminary until he graduated from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She further revealed that the name, ‘Bishop’ was given to him during his days as a student at St Peter’s Secondary School, Achina because of his character.
She remarked that he lived a life of charity by helping the poor.
His funeral at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Igboukwu and at his father’s compound in Ezihu Igboukwu featured Mass, dances, condolence visits among other things.
Fr Clems was born on May 25, 1954; ordained a Catholic Priest on August 14, 1999, died on November 7, 2024 and was buried on November 27, 2024.
He was aged 70.
