…Death is an inevitable and a living reality – Bishop Onaga
By Mercy Hill/Adejumoke Alebiosu
The sacrifices of a mother to her children would always be remembered even after death. Such was the reflection of the recognition of the life and times of the late Noble Lady Regina Amauchenu Onwusowulu (LSJI), a.k.a. Designer, whose body was laid to rest on Friday, 15 January 2021, in her country home at Odidama Village, Agulu, Anaocha L.G.A in Anambra State.
The deceased who died at age 77 was survived by Hon. Lady Dr Mrs Agatha Ngozi Etolue; Hon. Fidelis Onwusowulu; Dr Lady Anthonia Okoye; Hon. Mr Ejike Onwusowulu, Dr Lady Uju Ezenekwe; Lady Chika Udeozor; Pastor Okey Ejikeme; and Mrs Ebele Obi; had thirty-five grand grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
The burial Mass held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Agulu, was graced by who is who in the society, and had the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor as the principal celebrant alongside two other Bishops, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga; and the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev Michael Umoren, MSP; as well as numerous priests and religious.
Late lady Onwusowulu, was said to have played vital roles in her family, community and in the church where she was a committed lady of the noble Knight of St John International (KSJI).
In his homily during the Funeral Mass, the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga, charged Christians to renew a covenant of righteousness with God in preparation for the last inevitable sojourn of every man. He described death as a living reality of everyone in the world, noting that people should endeavour to live a worthwhile life.
Bishop Onaga admonished the congregation to emulate the good characteristics of those who lived exemplary life like Mrs Onwusowulu and ensure that they learnt from their mistakes too. He went further to advise all to be COVID-19 conscious and take all precautionary means to stop its spread.
He prayed for the soul of the deceased and asked God to give her loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
In his vote of thanks at the Mass, a son of the deceased, Hon. Mr. Fidelis Onwusowulu, thanked all who were present and in a special way, appreciated the three bishops who were present at the Funeral Mass. He noted that their mother was a heroine and that they were going to immortalize her by erecting something good in the house of God in her name.
Paying their last respect at the graveside, the Knights of St John International, noted that the deceased was a devoted member of the Knighthood and a friend to all. They prayed for her soul to find rest in paradise even as they commiserated with her family.
In her tribute, a daughter of Late Mrs Onwusowulu, Lady Dr Uju Regina Ezeneke, described her mother as a precious gift of God to her family and the world in general. She recalled how their mum singlehandedly took care of them after the death of their father twenty-six years ago.
She told Fides that the vacuum that her late mother left could not be filled by anyone. She recalled part of her relationship with her mother thus: ”We discussed like friends; you would always call me on phone countless times till I picked, just to ask if I was faring well, who would do that for me now” she grieved.
Other sympathizers, friends, well-wishers and in-laws who paid their condolences, attested to the legacies of the deceased, stressing the need to immortalize her.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the funeral ceremony were the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; the Chairman, Anaocha L.GA, Hon. Estate Onyedum; the Director, General Studies, Nnamdi Azikwe University; Rev. Fr Prof B.A.C Obiefuna; the first female professor of Communications in Nigeria, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna; former SSG, Ebonyi State, Prof. Ben Odoh; the Director, Social Communications Department of the Catholic Diocese of Awka and Director Fides Media Ltd, Rev Fr Dr. Martin Anusi, among others.
