The Catholic Diocese of Uromi lays to rest a beloved Priest, Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine.
“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying to me: ‘Write: Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, now and hereafter, says the Spirit, so that they may find rest from their labours. For their works follow them.’” Revelation 14:13
The above scriptural text characterized the mood and hope of the Good Shepherd of Uromi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Ogun, OSA, the clergy, consecrated persons and the lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi as they layed to rest one of their beloved priests, Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine on Thursday, 9th September, 2021.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Omodiagbe Asine was born into the family of Mr. Asine Airewele and Mrs. Theresa Omore Asine on the 10th of May, 1946. He hails from Idumegan-Uhiele in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
In the early seventies, he heard the voice of the Lord to come and serve in his vineyard. He made his intention known but was not duly approved by his parents. So he started working with Oil Palm Company, Ajagbodudu.
In 1977, he entered Technical College and finished in 1982 to obtain City and Guides Certificate. Encouraged by some priests to proceed to become a priest, despite his academic background, he attempted to begin seminary formation in the then Ss. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ekpoma Campus (Now John of the Cross Spiritual Year Seminary). Though his parents were not aware of this decision, unfortunately for him, he was asked to go back to obtain the required academic qualification. He then attended Holy Martyrs of Uganda Seminary, Effurun from 1984 to 1988 to obtain his WAEC. In 1989, he entered the Spiritual Year at Ekpoma and there he was appointed the Auxiliary (Prefect). He interacted well with other seminarians despite the age difference. Thereafter, in 1990, he proceeded to SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan where he completed his priestly formation. He held a BA degree in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan and Bachelor of Theology from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome. On October 18, 1998, he was ordained alongside his other 13 classmates in St. Albert Catholic Church, UNIBEN which ultimately made him go down history as the first priest from Uhiele-Ekpoma.
Fr. Asine was a strong Marian devotee. While in the Seminary, he was president of the Legion of Mary, the President of the pioneers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary and also the president of St Rita Society.
Fr Asine worked in the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) in the Archdiocese of Benin. He was also an Assistant Parish Priest in St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, and St. Peter Catholic Church, Ugbor, Benin City. He worked as Priest in Charge in St. Andrew Catholic Church, Emu, and St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ewatto. He also worked in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Igueben and finally in Lumen Christi International High School, Uromi.
Rev. Fr. Asine was known for his unflinching and dogged zeal for pastoral work among the poor in the rural areas. He was a devoted Spiritual Director to many Priests and Religious. He was generous and charitable to all who came along his way. He was fondly called “papasi” by his classmates. May he rest in peace, Amen. These were the very words of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Matthew Ihensekhien (a Classmate) as he described Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine.
The burial rites for Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine began on Wednesday, 8th September, 2021 with the vigil Mass which had in attendance His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Ogun OSA, a good number of clergy, religious, and lay faithful at St Anthony Catholic Cathedral, Uromi. The Mass was presided over by the Vicar General of Uromi Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Omonlumen. The homily was given by Rev. Fr. Peter Ikadi, a classmate of Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine from Issele-Uku Diocese. He accentuated the concept of death as rightly captured by Pope Francis as a fact, a memory and an inheritance.
The following day which was Thursday 9th September, 2021, funeral Mass of Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine was held at the Brother Roman Catechetical Center, Ekpoma. The Mass was presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Ogun OSA, the Catholic bishop of Uromi who happened to be the chief mourner also. Present at the Mass were a good number of clergy, religious, lay faithful, members of his biological family and his priest classmates.
The homily was given by Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Oyanoafoh, the chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, who happens to be Fr. Andrew’s classmate and friend.
At the funeral Mass, all present were appreciated for coming around to pray for the happy repose of the soul of Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine.
The remains of Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine was layed to rest at the priests’ cemetery in Brother Roman Catechetical Center, Ekpoma.
May the soul of Rev. Fr. Andrew Asine and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Sep
28
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