Mene Ukueberuwa has a moving tribute to his younger brother, Begho, in today’s Wall Street Journal. Begho tragically died last week at the age of 27 after suffering complications from heat stroke while running the Providence half marathon.

Begho, who was precociously successful in the film industry, had many admirable qualities and talents but the greatest of these, his brother notes, was his faith:

Begho was received into the Catholic Church in 2017. His approach to Christian life was based in relationships, and he often spoke about wanting to raise a faithful family someday. He never got to do that either. But among the hundreds who gathered at New York’s St. Michael’s Church for his funeral Saturday, no one doubts the feats of faith he would have achieved with a little more time.

I was among those privileged to know Begho. I first met him through New York City’s vibrant Catholic community. Fr. Roger Landry, at Begho’s funeral Mass on Saturday, remarked on how Begho’s faith informed his great gift for friendship:

We rejoice that that seed [of faith] did ripen and mature in Begho, which we saw in the harvest of his friendship with God and many made in God’s image and likeness; which we witnessed in the many good works done for others. . . .

Everyone who knew him recognized his infectious amiability, but over time, they saw that his capacity for friendship was far from superficial. He had a great desire to stay in touch with people, telephoning, texting, sharing songs uniquely with individuals who would appreciate it, initiating rather than waiting for someone else to make the first move to deepen the bond. . .

As the online remembrances show, he kept friendships throughout his life, with his siblings, with kids from school growing up, with people in several different cities where he worked and studied, with Catholic friends here and in LA. The fact that as of this morning, 510 people were moved to contribute with great generosity to his funeral expenses online is a tribute to the breadth and depth of his friendships. We thank the Lord for his friendship with Begho and we thank the Lord for Begho’s friendships with us. And we ask for the grace to seek to become friends of God and others like we saw in the friend we entrust to the Lord today.

Rest in peace, Begho. May God bless and comfort your family.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.