By Victor Nwegede
The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese in Anambra State, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke, has said that the death of the late Bishop Emeritus of Abakaliki Diocese, Peter Nworie Chukwu, remains firmly within the providence and divine will of God.
Cardinal Okpaleke made the declaration on Tuesday during a solemn night of tribute held at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki, in honour of the late bishop, who died recently after years of episcopal and priestly service in the Catholic Church.
The event, which attracted bishops, priests, consecrated religious, political leaders including Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and lay faithful, featured prayers, hymns, and moments of reflection.
In his homily, Cardinal Okpaleke noted that while death often raises difficult human questions, Christians are called to respond with faith and trust in God’s eternal plan.
“When death occurs, especially the passing of a bishop and shepherd of souls, people naturally ask why now and why him. As believers, we may not always have answers, but we entrust everything to God whose providence governs human life,” he said.
He described the late Bishop Chukwu as a committed servant of God who exercised his ministry with humility, perseverance, and deep pastoral dedication.
According to him, the late bishop fully embraced the responsibilities of episcopal office, offering leadership, spiritual guidance, and pastoral care to the faithful entrusted to him.
Cardinal Okpaleke, drawing from scriptural reflections and the teachings of St. Augustine, stressed that bishops occupy a sacred responsibility as shepherds accountable to God for the spiritual welfare of their flock.
“A bishop is not merely an administrator. He is a father, teacher, guardian of doctrine, and a sign of apostolic continuity. Bishop Peter Chukwu lived this vocation faithfully,” he stated.
He further recalled the late bishop’s participation in the Ad Limina Apostolorum visit to Rome with other Nigerian bishops, describing it as a spiritually significant moment of communion with the universal Church.
He said the pilgrimage, which included prayers at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul and an encounter with the Holy Father, underscored the unity and mission of the Church.
“For me, it is spiritually profound that shortly after renewing communion with the universal Church, the Lord called him home. It is a reminder that his earthly pilgrimage has been fulfilled,” he added.
Cardinal Okpaleke urged the faithful to view the bishop’s death not only with grief but as a testimony of a life of service and total surrender to God.
Quoting the Book of Wisdom, he said: “The souls of the just are in the hands of God,” reaffirming the Church’s belief in eternal life and resurrection.
He also admonished Christians to embrace repentance, reconciliation, and active faith, noting the unpredictability of human life.
“Serve God while you still have time. Do not postpone holiness or reconciliation. The life and passing of Bishop Chukwu reminds us that earthly pilgrimage has an end,” he said.
The Cardinal further urged unity and fidelity within the Church, stressing that the greatest tribute to the late bishop is steadfast commitment to the Gospel.
“The greatest tribute is not only tears, but fidelity to Christ, fidelity to the Gospel, and fidelity to the Church,” he added.
The late Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu is remembered for his humility, pastoral simplicity, evangelisation efforts, and decades of dedicated service to the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
