By Olivia Obijiaku
The Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh has expressed the collective pains of the clergy and faithful of the diocese, alongside those of the family, friends and well-wishers, over the demise of one of his priests, the late Rev. Fr. Vincent Kazachat Sebastine, affirming that their hearts were heavy with both visible and invisible tears, and sorrow. Delivering the sermon during the Mass of Wake, at St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Palladan Zaria, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the bishop described the deceased as a unique priest, who imparted lives on positively, and supported him and the diocese in different ways.
The Local Ordinary explained that, though they mourn the early earthly departure of the priest, who died at the age of 43, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, after a month of struggle with stroke, having taken ill on Good Friday, they are consoled, because they shall meet someday in heaven, where they all shall enjoy eternal bliss with Christ, the High Priest. He committed Fr. Sebastine’s immediate family, especially, his widowed mother, into the trusting hands of the God of all consolation, who alone can comfort them, acknowledging how painful such departure can be.
“Our hearts are heavy.” His Lordship acknowledged.” “We are in the Presence of God with visible and invisible tears, questions, painful memories and deep sorrow as we painfully bid farewell to our beloved brother and priest. His death was shocking to every one of us. Humanly speaking, one feels and thinks that this home calling is too early and sudden. It is still difficult to believe that Fr. Sebastine is no more.”
“We thought that there would still be many years of ministry. We thought that there would still be more years to preach; many confessions to hear; many Masses to celebrate; many lives to touch. But in the midst of our confusion and sorrow, God offers us hope. God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. This world is not our home. Every priest, every Christian, every human being is only passing through this earthly journey.”
“Fr. Sebastine understood this clearly. That is why he did not live merely for comfort or personal gain. No. he lived for Christ, for the Church and his faith. I think this is enough to console us. What is important is the length of love, service and faithfulness with which a person lived. Though Fr. Sebastine lived for only 43 years, we believe that he truly accomplished the mission and time that God appointed for him on earth. May his memory revive us never to become despondent or weary but to continue courageously towards our eternal homeland, where one day, we shall join him before the Common High Priest!”
The homilist at the Funeral Mass held at the same venue, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ojonugwa Agbo, noted that, like his classmate, friend and brother priest, everyone will face death one day, whether expected or not, prepared or not. He described Fr. Sebastine as a cheerful and dedicated priest, who loved his priesthood, parishioners and children. “Sad and sorrowful as it may be,” He added, “Let us not mourn like unbelievers. Our faith is put to the test at times like this, when the fear of death is overwhelming and when we may think that death has the final say.”
