The diocese of Kara in Togo was in mourning as it bid farewell to Reverend Father Innocent Pahizi on October 2. A pontifical funeral mass was held in his honor, which was attended by several high-ranking clergy, including Bishop Jacques Danka Longah of Kara, who presided over the ceremony. The mass was a somber occasion, filled with emotion, as the community came together to pay their respects to the late priest.
Reverend Father Innocent Pahizi passed away on September 19, just a day after celebrating a mass of thanksgiving for the soul of Father Sylvestre Tchodiè, who was buried the previous day. Born on June 14, 1945, Father Pahizi was ordained as a priest on July 13, 1974. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to serving the Lord, and his passing was marked by an outpouring of tributes from the community.
The funeral mass was attended by numerous clergy, including Bishops Dominique Banlène Guigbile of Dapaong, Célestin Gaoua of Sokodé, and Jacques Anyilunda, the emeritus bishop of Dapaong. Many priests, religious, and seminarians were also in attendance, as well as a large crowd of faithful and local authorities. The homily, inspired by the day's holy scriptures, praised Father Pahizi as a true man of God, who lived his faith with simplicity and an unwavering love for Christ.
In his homily, the preacher reflected on the trials faced by Job in the Bible, urging the faithful to sometimes remain silent in order to better understand life's events and to grow in faith and humility before God. The preacher also thanked those who had supported Father Pahizi throughout his life and asked the community to pray for his soul, which had been dedicated to God through his spiritual depth.
Tributes to Father Pahizi were given by his biological family, fellow clergy, and faithful from across the region. These testimonies highlighted his remarkable priestly journey and pastoral commitment, marked by his love for Christ and his rigorous yet patient approach to his work. Father Pahizi had held various roles, including spiritual director, professor, and parish administrator, before being admitted to retirement in July 2020.
The initial and absolution rites for Father Pahizi were performed by Father Lucien N'Djata and the emeritus bishop of Dapaong, respectively. Following the funeral mass, Father Pahizi was laid to rest in the priests' cemetery, Golgotha, located at the cathedral, marking the end of his 81st year of life and 52nd year of priesthood.
The Togolese Press Agency reported that the community had gathered to pay their respects to Father Pahizi, a man who had dedicated his life to serving God and the church. His legacy will be remembered through the countless lives he touched during his ministry.
Key points
- Reverend Father Innocent Pahizi was ordained as a priest on July 13, 1974.
- The funeral mass was presided over by Bishop Jacques Danka Longah of Kara.
- Father Pahizi was laid to rest in the priests' cemetery, Golgotha, located at the cathedral.
