By Olivia Obijiaku
The Chaplain of St Luke Catholic Chaplaincy, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria, Rev Fr. James Akema has reminded Christians of one of the spiritual works of mercy: praying for the dead. The priest gave the reminder, in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Friday, January 23, 2026, as the homilist at the Requiem Mass for late Mr. Patrick Bowman, who died at the age of 67.
The clergyman explained that just as Christians perform corporal works of mercy, like burying the dead, they also do spiritual works of mercy, such as praying for the dead, referencing the Church’s tradition of praying collectively for the Church militant, every 2nd November.
“We are gathered here this morning to pray for our brother, who has gone before us, marking the sign of faith. He came to this world because God had a vision for him to achieve. Now that he has completed his mission, God has called him back. It is time for him to rest.”
“Every day of our lives reminds us that we shall leave this world one day. Going to the cemetery to pray reminds us that just as we are now, the dead were, and the way they are, we shall be. Time is the only thing between us and them. When that time comes, everybody will smoothly answer the call of God.”
Fr. Akema acknowledged the pains of separating with one’s loved ones through death, charging participants to prepare for death every day of their lives, so that it does not meet them unaware.
