The Catholic Diocese of Katsina held a Wake-Keep Mass for the repose of the soul of Late Rt. Msgr. Joseph Keke on 5 May 2026 at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Malumfashi.
The solemn celebration brought together priests from across the Diocese, religious and lay faithful who gathered to pray for the deceased priest and to commend his soul to the mercy of God.
The Wake-Keep Mass commenced with a solemn procession led by Msgr. Joseph Atado, accompanied by several priests of the Diocese. Among the concelebrating priests were Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Ibeh, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Shuaibu, Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya, Very Rev. Fr. Matthias Bakoshi, Very Rev. Fr. Luka Yohanna, Very Rev. Fr. Kelvin Obineche, Rev. Fr. John Izuala, Rev. Fr. Casmir Obi, Rev. Fr. Jerome Agih, Rev. Fr. Francis Lemark, Rev. Fr. John Amos Bahywa, Rev. Fr. Damian, Rev. Fr. Peter Samaila, Rev. Fr. Nura Emmanuel, Rev. Fr. Solomon Akor, Rev. Fr. Noel Kayit, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Bello, and Rev. Fr. Victor Chibuzor.
Catechists, lectors, altar knights, and other liturgical ministers also participated in the celebration.
Death and the Hope of Resurrection
The Liturgy of the Word featured readings appropriate for the celebration of a Wake-Keep Mass. The Gospel was proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Nura Emmanuel from Luke 12:35–40, which calls believers to remain watchful and prepared for the coming of the Lord.
In his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Ibeh reflected on the mystery of death and the Christian understanding of life beyond the grave.
Drawing inspiration from a work by the late Rev. Fr. Ibuaja, he recalled the observation that once a person is conceived or born, the person is already destined to face death. He described death as a profound mystery—one that remains beyond human control and understanding.
However, Fr. Cyril emphasized that Christian faith does not end with death but points towards the hope of resurrection.
Reflecting on the teaching of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, he stressed the central importance of the resurrection to Christian faith and hope. Without the resurrection, he noted, humanity would have little reason for hope; but because Christ has conquered death, Christians look forward to eternal life.
A Life Worthy of Emulation
Reflecting on the life and ministry of the late Rt. Msgr. Joseph Keke, Fr. Cyril described the deceased as a priest whose life and witness provide valuable lessons for both the clergy and lay faithful.
He encouraged the faithful to reflect on the values demonstrated by Msgr. Keke during his earthly ministry and to emulate the virtues that marked his life and service to God and the Church.
He also urged the faithful to continue praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, entrusting him to the loving mercy of God.
Diocese Expresses Appreciation
The celebration continued with the Prayers of the Faithful, the offertory procession, and the consecration of the Holy Eucharist. The faithful participated prayerfully and received Holy Communion with deep reverence.
In his vote of thanks, the Dean of Malumfashi Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Pius Duniya, expressed heartfelt appreciation, on behalf of the Shepherd of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, to all who attended the Wake-Keep Mass.
He particularly thanked the priests from various parts of the Diocese, religious and lay faithful for their presence, prayers, and solidarity with the Diocese and the family of the deceased.
Following the Mass, announcements were made concerning the schedules for various deaneries, organizations, and societies to offer Holy Masses and recite Rosaries for the repose of the soul of Late Rt. Msgr. Joseph Keke.
The Wake-Keep Mass concluded with the final blessing imparted by Msgr. Joseph Atado, bringing the solemn celebration to a close as the faithful continued to commend the soul of the late priest to God's eternal care.