And after that memorial service, his body was taken to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Belmopan for the official funeral. It was full to overflowing and then some where everyone came out to say a final goodbye to Belize's first Garifuna and homegrown bishop. The eulogy was delivered by his lifelong friend Meliton Auil - who remembered the Bishop's humanity and good humour:...
Meliton Auil, friend
"He was a spiritual man, but also a true human being who was able to face pain and sorrow with great fortitude. He loved outdoor activity and enjoyed going on fishing trips before he was afflicted with a spinal condition that despite 2 operations was the source of great pain, especially in his back."
"Last month he spent over a week at Karl Heusner Memoral Hospital where he seemed to have had a remarkable and sudden recovery, perhaps even miraculous. But sadly it was only temporary. As it happened he was discharged after his apparent recovery and taken to his home in Dangriga, but he passes away peacefully on Thursday morning February 16th."
"I am sure that death did not come to him as a great surprise, or like a thief in the night. As a man of God, he knew that in order to get to heaven, which is our ultimately goal, it is necessary to experience death."
The mass went form 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and Bishop Martin was buried right there on the grounds of the Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral when it was finished. We'll have some clips of the official internment later on in the news.
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