By Olivia Obijiaku
Delivering the homily at the Mass of wake for the deceased Chancellor cum Judicial Vicar of his diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Isek, the Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh disclosed that, he and his flock cannot mask the tears of sorrows occasioned by the demise and burials of three of his priests who passed on within four months. The Mass took place at St Joseph Minor Seminary, Zaria, on Wednesday, 2nd September, 2026.
The bishop noted that in such moments that they find themselves, words seem inadequate to express the sorrows that fill the heart. He narrated the experience of a priest who, having buried five parishioners in one week, went to the Blessed Sacrament and asked Jesus thus: ‘’Jesus, tell me, just tell me, Jesus, if you were in my shoes as the Parish Priest of John’s burying, five people in seven days, Jesus, tell me, what will you do?’”
The local ordinary linked thus, “We will not be wrong to ask similar questions because we are humans. And so, I say, if the family is crying, feel free to cry. If parishioners feel an emptiness in their hearts, allow yourselves to weep. If brother priests are struggling with the pain of losing yet another companion in the ministry, do not be ashamed of that pain. And if I, your bishop feel the wound of losing yet anotheru priest and I certainly do, I will not pretend that I am fine. My brothers, my sisters, I am not fine. I am grieving. I am asking questions and I think these questions are relevant.”
He reminisced that a few months ago, the deceased priests were walking among them: celebrating Masses, visiting the sick, counselling families, teaching children and the young people, praying and carrying the burdens of the Church.
“But now as I speak to you, they are no more.” His Lordship communicated. “Today, we gather as a diocese to mourn yet another priest. Three priests in four months naturally make us to pause and ask questions: ‘Where is God in this? Why did God allow this to happen? Is something wrong with the Diocese of Zaria? Has God left us? But I strongly believe: God is still God. God is still God in Zaria diocese. God has not abandoned us. In all of these, I strongly have hope – hope of the Resurrection, because the Author of life Himself is Jesus. That same Jesus is the Author of Resurrection.”
Bishop Daboh thanked the family of the departed clergyman, for the son and brother they gave to God to become a priest in the family of God. Nudging them to thank God for how his priestly life touched their lives, he assured them that the Church shares in their sorrows and stands with them in prayer and mourning. He then encouraged bereaved parishioners and everyone Fr. Isek served, to cherish the memories of his ministry, prayers, homilies, counsel, especially in moments of sickness, sorrow and grief.
Through his homily at the Funeral Mass, the following day, Rev. Fr. Alexander Akaat Sheyin consoled that, “This transition, therefore, is not a tragic defeat or total loss, but a glorious fulfilment of the Christian journey. As we commend his soul into the merciful hands of Almighty God today, let us choose gratitude over despair. Fr. Augustine has put off what is corruptible to put on what is immortal.”
“Fr. Augustine spent his earthly ministry preparing our souls for this moment, reminding us that that the tomb is not a dead end, but a doorway into eternity. Let us celebrate the extraordinary gift that he was – the lives he lifted; the faith he restored; the peace he preached; and the path to salvation he illuminated for so many. He has finished his course, completed his pilgrimage, and graduated from the burden of labour to the peace of eternal reward.”
Fr. Isek transited as the Parish Priest of Maria Assumpta Parish, Jushi Waje. He was the Chairman of Marriage Tribunal of the diocese and also taught Demonology alongside Canon Law and Marriage at the Diocesan St Pope John Paul II School of Evangelization, Graceland Zaria. In addition to his weekly and seasonal programmes, he founded the School of Mystical Knowledge (SMK), where he taught the Church’s Teachings and Scriptures deeply, clarifying confusions on Life in the Spirit and more.
