In a solemn atmosphere filled with prayer and reflection, the seminary community gathered to attend the wake of Mrs. Esther Ndidiamaka Isife. The event was marked by a deep sense of fraternity, sympathy, and Christian hope, as priests, seminarians, family members, and friends of the seminary came together to console the Rector and his family, and to commend the soul of the departed to God’s mercy.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Psalms, which set a tone of reverence and solemnity. The psalms, prayed collectively by the seminarians, clergy, and faithful, expressed both the sorrow of loss and the Christian assurance of eternal life. This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass, offered for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Mrs. Isife. The chief celebrant, Rev. Fr. Auductus Maduekwu, was joined at the altar by the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Liberatus Isife, and the Vice Rector, Rev. Fr. Lazarus Alo, who concelebrated the Mass alongside other priests present.

The liturgy was characterized by a profound sense of faith and unity. The hymns, rendered solemnly by the seminary choir, lifted the hearts of the faithful and created an atmosphere of reverent hope. The readings of the day reminded all of the transience of human life and the eternal joy promised to those who die in the grace of Christ.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. John Nwaorie offered words of compassion and reflection. He gave a heartfelt account of Mrs. Esther Ndidiamaka Isife’s short but faith-filled life, describing her as a virtuous, humble, and devoted woman whose gentle spirit and steadfast faith were evident to all who knew her. He narrated how she endured great suffering and, after only eight months of marriage, was called to eternal rest.

Fr. Nwaorie reflected that her trials and pain were not meaningless but a share in the redemptive suffering of Christ, which purifies and sanctifies the soul for heaven. He then prayed that God, in His infinite mercy, may graciously accept her soul, since she had borne so much pain on earth with faith and courage.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Liberatus Isife, expressed his profound gratitude to all who attended the wake — including priests, seminarians, family members, and friends of the seminary — for their prayers, solidarity, and presence during this moment of grief. In his closing remarks, he reminded everyone that the burial will take place on the 30th of November, 2025, at Egede, Udi L.G.A.