NEBBI – Finally, after three days of mourning, Rev Fr Jovenile Ayelangom and Rev Fr Innocent Ngabirombo, who died in a road accident at Corner Aboke on Oyam-Lira Highway in Kole district on Tuesday were given a dignified send-off to their final place of rest.
Archbishop Odama and other bishops lead a procession for the funeral mass on Friday. PHOTO/Benedict Okethwengu
The caskets containing the remains of the two priests were lowered in their respective graves at about 4:00pm local time (EAT) at the diocesan cemetery behind Nebbi cathedral on Friday.
The funeral procession to their final resting place was led by a sea of priests and sisters holding wreaths as they sang Vatican and caritas anthem respectively.
The funeral ground was blanketed with seasonal dust on a sunny day that was braved by mourners who gathered for the burial at Nebbi Cathedral playground, as they graced the scorching sun.
Mourners sang and danced alongside the choir in their tents, as they bid farewell to the priests.
The burial mass for the fallen priests was meant to start at 10:00am, but started about an hour behind schedule with the Cathedral filled to capacity forcing thousands to remain outside in the playground.
Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu Archdiocese presided over the mass for the burial.
Other Bishops in attendance were Sabino Ocan Odoki of Arua diocese; Joesph Franzelli of Lira, Lino Sanctus, Wanok and bishop emeritus Martin Luluga, all of Nebbi diocese.
Richard Todwong, the minister without portfolio, represented the government at the burial, with noticeable government officials like Fred Jachan Omach, the state minster for finance, and a host of MPs from West Nile.
Odama in his sermon said the death of the two priests took them by surprise and shock, adding that it could have been worse for those who were at the scene.
He re-echoed the need for prayers that must be punctuated with fasting to enable people understand the rampant incidents of accidents claiming lives of people.
“We need fasting and prayers to enable us understand the rampant incidences of accidents in Nebbi,” he said
Earlier on the vicar general of Nebbi diocese, Msgr Lino Opio who spoke on behalf of the diocesan priests, had called for fasting and prayers across all the parishes to rebuke the work of satan causing accidents to people in the district.
Odama, however, noted that people should stop thinking that the priests were killed as result of witchcraft, adding that such beliefs are likely to fuel violence and hatred in the diocese.
“The departure of our priests affects us; shed tears, lament, including beat your chest and bury them with due respect and
ceremonies, but avoid evil talk. Let’s not attribute their death to witchcraft, it’s “goba” (lie). Bishops, priests and sisters are not bewitched,” he counseled
The funeral mass with close to 10,000 mourners was an occasion of sublime grace, punctuated with moments of raw emotion.
Hellion Chanikare, National programme coordinators Caritas where Fr Ayelengo worked as director Nebbi, described him as a person with professional attributes and skills that has shaped the lives of the vulnerable.
“As caritas staff lying here, amidst us, we see a mind who thought of strategies of ameliorating the face of poverty especially among the poorest of the poor,” she said.
Bishop Lino said with the death of the two priests, the diocese has made a big loss that is irreplaceable.
“My children go in peace you have done a great job, but your death is a big loss to Nebbi diocese because I know you are irreplaceable,” he drawing tears from the thousands of of sobbing mourners.
He appealed to the Christians to pray for the bereaved family and the diocese to enable parents to send their children to seminaries.
Todwong told the mourners that the government is saddened by the death of the two priests.
He explained that as government they equally need the religious leaders because they play a key role in developing the country.
He said they will ensure that the projects especially in HIV/AIDS, youths and the women which were being implemented by the fallen priests moves on successfully.
“We shall ensure that we liase with the diocese to see that the projects undertaken by the fallen priests go on even after their death,” he said
Titi Orochi, Fr Ayelamgo’s mother and Mary Fuaciba, Fr Innocent’s mother spoke passionately about their sons, describing them as great friends who resisted temptations to deny them their calling.
“I wanted to stop him from joining the seminary because he was the first born but he insisted; to me Jovenile was called to be a priest and must say I am happy he is with the lord,” Titi said.
Fuaciba said the son’s journey into priesthood was prophesied by his uncle, Rev Fr Joseph Oyulu, who died in 1994 after being burnt by gas.
“Fr Oyulu told me at his death that God will give me a son that will replace him and Innocent was his replacement now he is also gone, all I need from you is prayers,” she recounted.
Fr. Ayelango was the director of Caritas, Nebbi and Curate for Ulepi parish. He was also a lecturer at Uganda Christian University, Nebbi Campus, while Fr. Ngabirombo, was at Marty’s University pursuing a degree in Educational Management.
By Benedict Okethwengu, The New Vision
