By Michael Nnebife and Nonso Samson
It was a solemn moment for members, in-laws, associates, friends and well-wishers of Iwotor’s family of Irunebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, as they gathered in Enugwu-Ukwu to witness the burial Mass and pay last respects to the matriarch of the family, Iyom Monica Bianuba, whom many knew and described as Mama Chaplet.
The Burial Mass, which took place at St Francis’ Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu, on Saturday, 6th July, 2024, was presided over by the Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor.
Speaking in a homily during the Mass, Bishop Ezeokafor reminded Christians that every mortal would surely die. The Bishop, who emphasized the importance of the end of everything that had a beginning, admonished Christians to work hard to live a holy life and make peace with one another, so that when death came they would meet their creator for eternal bliss.
He extolled what he described as the exemplary virtues of Iyom Monica, whom, he said, lived a life of prayer like St Monica. The Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese thanked the children of the deceased for taking good care of the mother and urged them to uphold the legacies she left behind.
Some close friends, associates and in-laws of Iyom Monica spoke with Fides, eulogizing her and rating what they described as her sterling quality of life very high. One of them, Rev Msgr Prof John Paul Nzoniwu, who described Iyom Monica as a devoted Christian.
‘When I was a Parish Priest for the entire Enugwu-Ukwu, she was a seamstress and every Saturday, she sent so many girls learning work under her to the church to clean it.
‘She always came to the church to check if there was anything that required her help. Most of the 36 priests that attended this burial are those that she extended her kindness to,’ Rev Msgr Nzoniwu said, advising her children to emulate her virtues of dedication to the things of God, kindness, charity to the poor and the needy, hard work, peace, among others.
Also, the Parish Priest, St Francis, Enugwu-Ukwu, Rev Fr Peter Val Uzozie, said Iyom Monica blended her spiritual and social life very well. ‘Mama Monica wanted everyone that came in contact with her to be happy. She loved children; she organized them and produced chaplets for them, hence, the Mama Chaplet, she was called.
‘She lived a life of humility, love for one another, peace, and dedication to service to God and humanity,’ Fr Uzozie said, and urged her children to emulate those virtues.
In interviews with Fides, the President, Life Members, Awka Diocese, Lady Oby Onyenwe; the President, CWO, St Francis, Enugwu-Ukwu, Mrs Nnenne Odinakpa; the Chairlady of Iyom Group, Iyom Ngozi Okanume; among others, also paid glorious tributes to Iyom Monica, describing her as a true ambassador of Christ, servant leader and a rare gem.
To one of the in-laws, Pastor John Okonne from Asaba, Delta State, Iyom was not only a precious, but also a caring and loving mother-in-law. ‘If there’s anything like reincarnation, in the next world, I want to be her in-law again,’ Pastor Okonne said.
Iyom’s daughter, Lady Georgina Okonne, told Fides that her mother was a woman with a heart of gold who touched many lives positively. One of her sons, Comrade Chidi, described Iyom as a spiritual woman. ‘She always told us that a chaplet is a weapon of war against Satan and a tool for success; we follow this and it works for us,’ he said, assuring that he and his siblings would continue to follow in his mother’s footsteps.
Comrade Chidi, who was overwhelmed by the mammoth crowd of priests and friends of the Iwotor family who attended the burial, thanked God for a friendly weather and Bishop Ezeokafor; the priests; organizations; parishioners of St Francis, Enugwu-Ukwu; the Iwotos, both at home and abroad; the in-laws; friends and well-wishers of the Iwotor family; for paying his mother their last homage.
Internment at the Iwotor family compound, condolences by in-laws, associates, friends and well-wishers, climaxed the burial ceremonies attended by no fewer than 36 priests from Awka and Lagos Catholic Dioceses; Life Members of Awka Diocese; members of St Francis, Enugwu-Ukwu CWO; Christian Mothers; Iyom Group; among others.
