Iwene Tansi was born in 1903 at Igboezunu in Nigeria. When he was baptised at the age of nine, he received the name Michael. He worked as a catechist and teacher before entering the seminary. He was ordained a priest of the Onitsha diocese in 1937 at the age of 34. While serving as a priest in the diocese, his ministry was marked by great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and by spending long hours in the confessional. He also baptised the future Cardinal Arinze and inspired him to respond to a priestly vocation.In 1950, Fr Tansi came to England to join the Cistericians of Strict Observance (Trappists) at Mount St Bernard Abbey in Leicestershire. He remained there until his death in 1964. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 22nd March 1998, in Nigeria.
In the year of his beatification, the first pilgrimage to honour him took place at the Abbey. Since then it has been held annually in Grace Dieu Manor; but this year the pilgrimage returns to the Abbey on Sat 29 August, beginning with Mass at 11am. This is very much the initiative of Abbot Joseph Delargy. The community would like to create a permanent outdoor pilgrimage site and to promote the cause for Blessed Cyprian to be canonised.
Blessed Cyprian Tansi is not just a saint for Nigerians - important though he undoubtedly is for Catholics in that country. He is also a role model for priests in following both an active and a contemplative life. He also speaks to all Christians:
If you are going to be a Christian at all, you might as well live entirely for God.
1 comment:
Dear Father Finigan
Nigerian born Benjamin Odeje was the first black boy to play football for England Schoolboy U15's in the 1970/71 season. I played No 5 behind Benjamin Odeje's No 9 for Blackheath Schools in the 1970/71 season and then also for Charlton Athletic/Great Britain in the 1971/72 season Centenaire du Havre Athletic Club Tournament.
It was my job on the pitch to break up the opposition's attacks and to then provide the ammunition for "DEJE" to score the goals.
It was in the 1971/72 season that Benjamin Odeje accepted the professional terms offered to him by Charlton Athletic and I declined the terms offered to me by the professional game in order to continue my 'O' and 'A' level education at Addey & Stanhope Grammar School in Deptford.
Thirty-eight years later I have done my very best off the pitch to break up the malevolent NF/BNP attacks aimed at the FARE KICK IT OUT development of London 2012 and Millwall Holdings plc as we enter into the 2009/10 football season which will almost certainly see England secure their World Cup qualifying place for the 2010 finals in South Africa.
This forthcoming 2010 World Cup in South Africa demands that I pursue this JUSTICE NOT VENGEANCE FOCUS to the very limit. I'm sure my old Nigerian born sparring partner Faith Isiakpere aka "Mandela,s Fella" would agree. Faith is now based in South Africa where he is still making 'Children of Africa' films for the top table.
Blessed Cyprian Tansi pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary pray for us in BNP leader Nick Griffin MEP's EU/GLA/LDA/ODA NEO-NAZI DEVELOPMENT TIMES Amen
Roy Hobson aka Our Lady's Vesper ON-LINE +
More From:www.spreadtheword.org.uk 's cityofsharedstories YouTube - Roy Hobson (From Dark to Light Too)
8 Badlow Close,
Erith,
Kent DA8 3SA
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