By Our Correspondent
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ekwulobia, on Tuesday, September 2, was enveloped in solemn hymns and heartfelt emotions as the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia bade farewell to one of its most outstanding clerics, Monsignor Jerome Madueke.
The farewell rites, which began with the requiem Mass and concluded at the graveside interment, drew a large gathering of clergy, religious, lay faithful and dignitaries who came to honour the priest remembered for his devotion, leadership and pioneering spirit.
Presiding at the Mass was His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, while the homily was delivered by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas-Benson Okoye.
In his tribute, Bishop Okoye captured the essence of Monsignor Jerome’s life in the words: “A good man, a good priest and a good leader.
“He was a good man because he sought the good of everyone around him. He was a good priest because he gave his life entirely to the work of God, and he was a good leader in the many assignments entrusted to him in Awka and Ekwulobia dioceses.”
The bishop recalled how Monsignor Jerome pioneered the establishment of Fides Media and Maranatha Multimedia, institutions that have shaped Catholic communication and evangelisation across the region.
In a significant announcement during the Mass, Cardinal Okpaleke declared that the Maranatha School of Theology would henceforth be renamed St. Jerome’s School of Theology in honour of the late priest.
He also revealed that the diocese would sponsor a young boy from St. Vincent’s Parish, Amesi, fulfilling one of Monsignor Jerome’s last wishes before his passing.
Prayers of commendation were led by Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Chiegboka, Vicar General of the diocese, after which the cortege moved to the cemetery for the final rites.
At the graveside, orations poured in from various groups, including the Presbyterium of CADEK, staff of Maranatha, and the Family and Human Life Units of both Awka and Ekwulobia dioceses. Very Rev. Fr. Charles Umeoji, Vicar for Clergy, CADEK, gave the final blessings on behalf of the Cardinal.
As Monsignor Jerome Madueke was laid to rest, the outpouring of tributes affirmed the enduring legacy of a priest whose life embodied faith, service and leadership.
