“Pulvis es et in pulverem reverteris” – “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This biblical verse reminds us all of the reality of death. Today, these words take on deeper meaning as we bid farewell to Chief Dominic Igwemmar, the one we call “Magnus Magister Latinus” (the Great Latin Master).

For over 60 years, from All Hallows’ Seminary to St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, and Tansi International Secondary School, among others, his name was a byword for Latin.

At the Mass for his burial, officiated by Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, I lost count of the number of Rev. Fathers in attendance. Most of them were his former students. Our Alma Mater (SABOBA) was fully represented. Because of the profound impact he had on many of us, we decided to honour him as an old boy. However, his true alma mater was All Hallows’ Seminary, represented by Prof. Fidelis Okafor and Prof. Patrick Obi. Prof Obi also represented Mr. Peter Obi, who could not attend because of the lunch of former President Babangida’s book at Abuja.

Knowing that Mr. Latin was being laid to rest, the bishop celebrated the Mass entirely in Latin – a worthy compliment to the master of Latin. The seminarians from St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, enriched the liturgy with the fervent harmonies of their distinguished choir.

During the sermon, Bishop Ezeokafor captured the essence of Igwemmar’s life, highlighting his lasting influence – teaching Latin to generations of Catholic students.

What do we learn from his life? We are but fleeting moments in the vast expanse of time; civilizations rise and fall, their glories fading into history. Yet, what endures beyond the passing ages are our efforts, our wisdom, and the beauty we bring into the world – these are the lasting imprints of our existence. Igwemmar, a native of Achalla, Anambra State, left behind plenty of that.

His life was immersed in Latin, but he also taught philosophy in higher institutions, including Pope John Paul II Major Seminary. He had little patience for any philosophy student who “stupidly” refers to Omoregbe, whom he considered vastly inferior to the true masters of the discipline, including himself. Given the chance, he would paint himself into the great philosophical tradition, incorporating his teachings seamlessly alongside those of Plato and Aristotle. But what else could one expect from a man who pursued higher education at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium? It means a lot for him.

As we lay him to rest, we do not mourn as those without hope. Rather, we celebrate a life well spent in service to knowledge and faith. He may be gone, but his teachings, his influence, and the love he had for Latin will echo through the voices of those he taught, including this writer.

A piece on this great Latinist started with Latin and should fittingly end with it. We therefore say again: “Requiescat in pace, Magister!”

• Obienyem writes from Awka.