Most Rev. Bishop Francis Bomansaan, M.Afr., Catholic Bishop of the Wa Diocese, will on 2nd August 2025 celebrate a memorial thanksgiving Mass in honour of four departed members of the Naaeke family. The service will take place at the Goziir Naa’s house in Nandom, Upper West Region.
The solemn celebration will commemorate the lives of Flaviano Yiryel Naaeke (Baba), Priscilla Piile Naaeke (Teacher), Mary Asunta Naaeke (Merri), and Marcellinus Naaeke (Key)—beloved figures described as the “pillars and pivot” around which the Naaeke family revolved for many years.
The memorial marks several significant anniversaries: the 20th anniversary of Flaviano Naaeke’s passing, the 10th anniversary of Priscilla Naaeke’s death, the 45th anniversary of Mary Asunta Naaeke’s passing, and the 14th anniversary of the death of Marcellinus Naaeke.
Drawing from biblical inspiration—“Honour your father and mother” and the call to be our brother’s keeper—the family reflects on their virtues and enduring influence. Though departed, their memories remain a guiding light for all who knew them.
Tributes to the Departed
Flaviano Yiryel Naaeke (1929 – 3 April 2005)
Affectionately known as Baba, Flaviano’s unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church and admiration for the virtues of the late St. Pope John Paul II inspired deep spiritual and community involvement. His dynamic choir leadership enriched the liturgy and drew many faithful to active participation.
In 1985, Baba and his wife, Teacher, were selected to represent the Diocese of Wa at the 45th Eucharistic Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, where they met Pope John Paul II. Upon their return, Baba would bless visitors with the Pope’s blessing—a memory fondly cherished by all who experienced it.
Baba’s calm, peaceful demeanour made him a beloved figure in Nandom, where his home became a meeting place for the Knights of St John International. As a civil servant at St Francis of Assisi Girls Secondary School, Jirapa, he served with discipline and dedication.
Priscilla Piile Naaeke (1931 – May 2015)
Known as Teacher, Priscilla left a profound void with her passing. Her service and devotion to the Christian Mothers Association were exemplary. A talented artisan, she was known for bead-making, soap and shea butter production, storytelling, and singing—particularly in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As a nurse, she served faithfully as housekeeper of the nursing and midwifery school at St Joseph’s Hospital in Jirapa. Her generosity was boundless, often giving even when she had little, teaching by example the values of compassion and selflessness.
Mary Asunta Naaeke (14 February 1954 – 16 September 1980)
Fondly called Merri, Mary was the firstborn. Though remembered through childhood eyes by many, she is recalled as simple and skilled—especially in cooking, which she taught as a Home Economics teacher. Her legacy remains in the hearts of those she nurtured.
Marcellinus Naaeke (2 June 1956 – July 2021)
Affectionately called Key, Keyboy, or Master Key, Marcellinus lived a simple, community-focused life. Known for his dedication to the service of God, he was deeply respected by peers, students, and his Muslim friends alike.
Though he remained unmarried for much of his life, he later wed and had three children, whom he left behind. His approachable nature and willingness to engage with the community earned him admiration from all walks of life.
A Day of Reflection and Thanksgiving
The memorial is a reflection on both sorrowful and joyful memories. It seeks to immortalise the lives of these four individuals whose examples continue to shape and inspire the Naaeke family and their wider community.
“We are reminded that we are still on the journey to meet our Maker, and that we still have the chance to make amends before our own calling,” the family stated.
The Naaeke family expressed their profound gratitude to Most Rev. Bishop Francis Bomansaan for graciously accepting the invitation to serve as the main celebrant for this deeply significant occasion.
— By the Naaeke Family
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