Updates from the Burial of Rev. Fr. Stephen Njoku of Upper Room Ministries Enugu

Updates from the Burial of Rev. Fr. Stephen Njoku of Upper Room Ministries Enugu

The remains of Rev. Fr. Stephen Uchechukwu Njoku, the founder and spiritual director of Upper Room Ministry, Emmanuel town, Emene, Enugu, Nigeria was today the 18^th of January 2013 laid to rest at the diocesan cemetery, Holy Ghost Cathedral Enugu. The funeral mass was well attended by people from all walks of life. Five Catholic bishops - Bishops S.A. Amatu (Okigwe), J. Okoye (Awgu), C. Etokudoh (Port Harcourt), A. Gbuji (Emeritus – Enugu) and C.V.C Onaga (Enugu) were in attendance with over five hundred priests, uncountable number of religious men and women, and seminarians.

The Late Fr. Stephen Njoku died on the 29^th of December 2012 after a brief illness. He was a powerful priest of Enugu Diocese but originated from the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara. His prayer ministry saved a lot of lives and families from the assault of the devil and was a center for divine favours for many. 

In his introductory speech, the chief celebrant, Bishop Callistus Onaga said we have reasons to be thankful to God for the gift of Fr Njoku to the whole human race. The Homilist Rev. Fr. Professor Nicholas who was his classmate testified to the exemplary life Fr. Njoku lived on earth and urged all present to emulate him. He described him as a man of prayer and deep spirituality. He quoted his last words to those gathered at the Upper Room Ministry thus “God alone is our refuge and our security, make Him your refuge and feel okay here, as we your teachers are leaving your scene and leaving this world, never forget this.” He ended his homily be describing him as a saint and on behalf of the Bigard 1978 set implored his saintly intercession on them. 

In his vote of thanks, Msgr. Igboaja thanked all and sundry for coming to identify with the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. He thanked in a special way Bishops Amatu, Etokudoh and Okoye who were the classmates of the deceased priest and consoled the bereaved family.