A popular Catholic Bishop in Anambra has sent shocking waves to his Priests as he has banned them from officiating in expensive and lavish funerals.
His Lordship, Most-Rev.-Paulinus-Ezeokafor
Most Revd. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, has directed the priests of the diocese to desist from officiating at costly burials, and to this end, cooking of food and sharing of souvenirs during funerals would be moderated.
The Bishop urged the priests to adhere strictly to the directive, insisting that whoever violated the new order would be sanctioned.
He expressed his displeasure at what he described as unnecessary expenditure during funerals, asked the Igbo to shun 'flamboyant burials,' and urged them to take a cue from Hausa Muslims who, he said, spent little or nothing during burials.
"The order will soon be extended to the laity in Awka Diocese. We are starting with ourselves (the clergy). We are doing it to help ourselves and relatives. Even if the dead is Mama Father or Papa Father, there will be no cooking of food and sharing of souvenirs," he said.