Rev. Fr. Christopher Seka is no more

With reports from Fr Zepherinus Mbuh and Livinus Tal Bam in Kumbo

The Canon of Kumbo Cathedral and Manger of Catholic schools in Kumbo Diocese, Rev. Fr. Christopher Seka, died on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, after a brief illness at the Shisong Catholic Hospital. Information from reliable sources in Kumbo indicates that in the morning; while in Church, Father Christopher Seka felt unwell and decided to go back to the Fathers' House to help himself, but collapsed on the way back.

The same sources indicate that Fr Christopher Seka received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick as Fr Peter Watson made it in time to administer the Sacrament before rushing him to the Shisong Catholic Hospital where he died shortly after being rushed in.

Fr Christopher Seka's mortal remains were taken out of the Shisong Mortuary on Monday, December 15. A wake keeping followed the corpse removal. The funeral Mass and burial were on Tuesday, December 16 in Kumbo.

Biography
Rev. Christopher Seka was born on September 13, 1960 in Sop, Kumbo. After his priestly formation, he was ordained on March 28, 1989 at the Kumbo Cathedral. He held the following positions after his ordination: he was the Curate/Manager of Schools in Binju-Nkambe from August 1989 to July 1990, the Diocesan Youth Chaplain of John Paul II Youth Centre from August 1990 to July 1995, Principal of St Augustine's College, Kumbo, from August 1995 to July 1996, left for further studies in Rome from August 1996 to July 1998, and was reappointed Principal of St Augustine's College from August 1998 to June 2006.

He was further designated Rector and Manager of Schools at Christ the King Quasi-Parish Nkambe Town from July 2006 to August 2007 before being brought back to Kumbo where he was appointed Parish Priest of Kumbo Cathedral Parish from August 2007 to December 2008 and Diocesan Vocations Director from August 2007 to June 2008.  Before his death he was the Manager of Schools.

Father Christopher Seka worked endlessly for the success of whatever apostolate he was assigned to. He adored success and worked for it in and out of season. On many occasions he simply made things happen from nothing. He had a voice that carried and hardly needed a sound system when he addressed a crowd. He was a prayerful Priest and his homilies were soul-searching. The Catholic Faithful in Kumbo and people of goodwill are requested to pray for the peaceful repose of his Soul.

Comments

[Mrs Ngamsha Victorine]

My dear brothers and sisters,

This has been the most difficult time of the year as I had to accept the fact that Father Christopher has gone. Time and again I tried to convince myself that it was not true. I watched the pictures in total silence and disbelief.

I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the bishop of Kumbo diocese, Bishop Cornelius Fontem Esua, Father Seka's biological family, and all his brother priest especially those who are not home and could not join the family in giving this great man of God a final farewell to heaven.

We can only do our best to pray for father and to celebrate his life on earth. We will be celebrating the life of father Christ here in Bentley, Walsall , In the United Kingdom. This will take place on Saturday the 21st of March 2009.. Fr, Christopher yielded much fruits during his work in the Lord's vineyard. This will be the time for us the fruits of his labour and his friends in this part of the world to celebrate with Christ in thanksgiving for his life on earth.

Father, you have gone away to come no more. The space that you have created can never be filled. You will always be remembered of your good deeds. Thank you dear father for what we are today. May you have a great time with your fellow youths in heaven as you see Christ face to face. May you prepare a place for us. It is too late to come back but not too late for us to join you. Your have done a fantastic job here on earth and we miss you so much. May your soul rest in perfect peace Amen.

May Fathers departure from this life continue to straighten us in our love for each other. May we be able to forgive and see Christ in all our brothers and sisters. May we be able to prepare ourselves to be ready at all times for we never know the hour the Son of man will come for us. Father Seka probably had a list of things to do after mass and... What if he was angry with someone and planned to speak to the person after mass that morning? What if father had in mind to make a phone call to settle issues with someone later on in the day. What if he wanted to go to take his...? We could ask so many questions but the answer is this " Let us be ready at any time".

Regards.

Victorine Ngamsha