The Catholic Diocese of Yola has laid to rest its former Director of Social Communications, Reverend Father Raymond Danbonna.
In his condolence message, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese,Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza thanked God for the gift of Reverend Father Raymond Danbonna, who worked in God’s vineyard for 31 years.
Bishop Dami Mamza prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest, and thanked everyone who found time to attend the funeral Mass, particularly priests who came from far and near, as well as the lay faithful.
The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese said he has known Fr. Danbonna for over 30 years, since their days in the Seminary, describing late Reverend Father Raymond Danbonna as a dedicated priest, committed to the work of evangelism.
He also appreciated the Bishop of Lafia, Most Rev. David Ajang, for taking care of late Reverend Father Raymond Danbonna while he was sick.
The First Reading was taken from the Book of Wisdom, chapter 3, verses 1 to 9, Second Reading was from 2nd Corinthians, chapter 4 verse 13 to chapter 5 verse 1, while the Gospel reading was taken from the holy Bible according to John, chapter 17, verses 24 to 26.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Oliver Buba said death is a moment of reflection for Christians saying as Christians, we must have hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because death is not the end, but a transition to God the Father, Just as Jesus rose from the dead, so shall believers rise.
He noted that Fr. Danbonna was the first Director of Social Communications of the Diocese, serving from 2nd February 1997 to 2019, and he gave his best in mission work before God called him.
Reverend Father Buba urged the congregation to continue to pray for late Reverend Father Raymond Danbonna, to always live in peace with one another, and to avoid things that bring chaos and malice.
He added that if a person does not live in peace, how will he rest in peace when he dies? And reminded the faithful to be conscious of the judgment day and to live a Christ-like life, because no one knows when the hour will come.
Before his death, late Fr. Danbonna held various positions, including Member, Diocesan Pastoral Executive Council, Yola Diocese, Member, Diocesan Board of Consultors, one-time Chairman, NCDPA Yola Chapter, Chairman, Board of Governors, St. Patrick’s Academy, Numan, Founding Member, SIGNIS NIGERIA, Provincial Representative, SIGNIS NIGERIA, Jos Province, and Librarian, Association of Priests, Religious and Seminarians, Rome.
Condolence messages were received from St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos, Catholic Diocese of Lafia, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Missionaries of the Divine Franciscan Motherhood, as well as his immediate family.
The remains of the late Rev. Fr. Raymond Danbonna were later laid to rest at the Priests cemetery at Saint Peter’s Seminary, in the presence of Bishop Mamza, priests, religious, family members and friends.