Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, the saintly and courageous bishop of Kafanchan whose intervention liberated Ahiara diocese has gone to his Maker. He knew he had no time left and he decided to set the Church on the right path as his swan song. Like the pelican, he drained his last blood to give life to Ahiara, home of his late friend and colleague, angelic Bishop Chikwe, two like minds in pastoral zeal. His is the story of the proverbial thorn bird, and the world stood still to listen to his last song.

The novel titled The Thorn Birds, also adapted into an interesting movie with same name, narrates the legend of the thorn bird thus:

“There is a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree, and does not rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it impales itself upon the longest, sharpest spine. And, dying, it rises above its own agony to out-carol the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song, existence the price. But the whole world stills to listen, and God in His heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the cost of great pain…. Or so says the legend.”

Bishop Joseph Bagobiri of Kafanchan Diocese slumped and died at Kaduna while attending a meeting of his provincial Bishops. He has been managing Kidney complications for quite some years now which has hindered his attendance to Episcopal meetings and other external duties. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

As you eased the “burden on your conscience for many years” and released Ahiara Diocese, may God release your faithful soul from all stains of impurity and grant you the Beatific Vision! Adieu, My Lord!!

Rest on my Lord Bishop you will indeed be missed.

Written by a priest in Ahiara Diocese.