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Fr. Kelvin Ugwu Questions the Practice of Praying Against Early Death
Renowned Nigerian Catholic priest Fr. Kelvin Ugwu has openly challenged the widespread custom of praying to avoid what many call “early” or “premature” death. He argues that this mindset conflicts with core Christian beliefs and scriptural teachings.
Rethinking the Idea of “Premature” Death in Christian Faith
In a recent social media statement, Fr. Ugwu stressed that the Church’s primary concern is guiding believers toward a “peaceful and holy death,” rather than trying to escape death at a specific age. He pointed out that the Bible consistently encourages Christians to remain spiritually alert and prepared, since the exact timing of death is unknown and ultimately in God’s hands.
Lessons from Saints and Scripture on Early Death
To support his argument, Fr. Ugwu cited examples of saints and biblical figures who died young but are celebrated for their unwavering faith and enduring influence. For example, St. Kizito, one of the Ugandan Martyrs, was martyred at just 14 years old. St. Lucy died at 20, and the recently canonized St. Carlo Acutis passed away at 15. In the Bible, John the Baptist was executed in his early 30s, St. Stephen was stoned around the same age, and Jesus Christ died at 33. These deaths are not viewed as “untimely” within Christian tradition but as part of God’s divine plan.
Challenging the Notion of “Untimely” Death
Fr. Ugwu questions the validity of labeling deaths as premature or timely, asking, “What death can truly be called premature, mature, or overdue?” His message encourages believers to shift their focus from fearing death at a certain age to cultivating spiritual readiness for whenever death may come.
The Church’s Perspective on Death and Preparation
According to Catholic teaching, death is an inevitable stage in the human journey, and the emphasis should be on living a virtuous life that prepares the soul for a serene transition. This aligns with biblical calls to “stay awake” and be vigilant, as the moment of death remains a sacred mystery known only to God.
Modern Insights on Mortality and Faith
In a contemporary context where life expectancy varies significantly-Nigeria’s average life expectancy is about 55 years, based on recent WHO statistics-Fr. Ugwu’s viewpoint invites believers to prioritize faith over fear. Rather than obsessing over the length of life, the focus should be on nurturing a meaningful spiritual journey and readiness to meet God at any time.
