By Vivian Iwu
It was a day of Faith, Culture, and Heartfelt Tributes at St. Charles Catholic Church, Enyiogwugwu, Aboh Mbaise LGA, as Family, Friends, Clergy, Traditional Rulers, and Well-wishers gathered in their numbers to bid farewell to Late Mr. Festus Nnodim Ndunaka.
The Premises was filled with Cars and activities, drawing questions from Passersby. The answer was simple yet profound: “Rev. Fr. Ulonna’s father is being laid to rest today.”
The funeral Mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, who described late Mr Festus Nnodim Ndunaka as a man who lived well and urged the family to bear their loss with fortitude.
In his Homily, Rev. Fr. Prof. Philip Igbo reminded the Congregation of the Christian hope of Resurrection, testifying that the deceased was not only a dedicated Teacher and Commercial Farmer—rearing Livestock including Pigs—but also a man who raised a united and successful family.
“The Bible assures us that he who stands firm in faith till the end will receive the reward. Both life and death belong to God,” he preached.
Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Celestine Ekennia, thanked the Bishop and all present, prayed for safe Journeys, and announced the remaining burial Programs.
His first son, Rev. Fr. Stanley Ulonna Ndunaka—former Assistant Rector of Enyiogwugwu Spiritual Year Formation of Ahiara Mbaise Catholic Diocese, now on Studies Abroad—delivered an Emotional Vote of Thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Bishop, Clergy, Religious Sisters, Classmates, Seminarians, Traditional Rulers, Teachers, Parishioners, and Friends from across Mbaise and beyond.
In a touching moment, he thanked his mother for years of Dedicated Care to their father during his illness, as well as his siblings for their Unity and Support.
Born in 1951, Late Mr. Festus Ndunaka attended St. Charles Primary School, Amuzi Community Secondary School, TTC, and Michael Okpara College of Agriculture, Umuagwo. He taught at Community School Umuopara and Emeabiam Comprehensive Secondary School, among others.
A devout Catholic and committed member of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), he was married to Mrs. Adaku Fidelia Ndunaka (née Iroegbu) and blessed with seven children—two sons and five daughters—including Rev. Fr. Ulonna.
In his tribute, Fr. Ulonna described his father as “gentle, wise, humble, disciplined, and compassionate.”
After the burial, Mr. Ndunaka’s Compound, which was adorned with his Flex Banners, saw Priests, Religious, Cultural Dancers, and Community Groups celebrating him with Music, Prayers, and Colorful Displays—a reflection of the impact of a man who left behind not only a family, but a Legacy.
