By Chikezie Ogbonna
A special memorial Mass was held in honor of the late Prof. (Sir) Neri Gustav Agapitus Picado at St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy, Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu. The Mass was presided over by the Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie.
Prof. Picado passed away on Wednesday, February 5, after suffering a sudden heart attack while attending to a patient. His burial took place on February 13 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Independence Layout, Enugu, in a Mass led by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga.
Delivering a moving homily, Rev. Fr. Basil Isiekwe of Opus Dei described Prof. Picado as a man who dedicated his life to both the spiritual and physical well-being of others. Citing Mark 10:45, he emphasized that the late professor lived a selfless life, always at the service of his patients. “Neri was a man who could not say no to his patients,” he said. “Even when overwhelmed, he would always respond to their calls.”
Having served in Nigeria since 1982, Prof. Picado dedicated over 40 years to medical and spiritual care. His impact was so profound that many priests called for his immediate recognition as a saint. His funeral was marked by deep reverence, with many mourners touching his casket as a sign of devotion.
Fr. Isiekwe also highlighted his unwavering faith and commitment, recalling that he was always the first to arrive at the Opus Dei chapel for prayers. “He embodied every aspect of a sanctified life, always giving his all,” he noted.
According to Fr. Basil, despite the comfortable life he could have settled on in New York, Prof. Picado chose to make Nigeria his home, a decision described as an act of great generosity. Despite his esteemed professional status, he remained dedicated to his work, treating each person with dignity and care. Even after earning the title of professor, he continued to study and improve himself.
When the Niger Foundation Hospital was established, he was offered the position of Chief Medical Director at Parklane Hospital but declined, choosing instead to focus on building an ideal Catholic medical facility. He remained fully committed to his patients, working tirelessly until his final moments. Fr. Isiekwe reflected on his life, stating that he exemplified the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, proving that ordinary work can be a path to holiness.
In his vote of thanks, the chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Uche Nnajiofor, recalled many fond memories of Prof. Picado. As the personal physician to the late Bishop Michael Eneja, he was widely regarded as a man of great integrity and dedication. Fr. Nnajiofor expressed confidence that Prof. Picado’s legacy would endure in the lives of those he touched.
To continue his work, an endowment fund has been set up in his memory. A special highlight of the event was the blessing of a prayer garden dedicated to him, performed by Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie.
The late Prof. Neri Picado will be remembered not just for his professional achievements, but for his unwavering commitment to service, faith, and humanity.
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