Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi
Igbo priest who became a Trappist monk in England
- Rank
- Blessed
- Kind
- Priest, Religious
- Life
- 1903 – 1964
- Era
- 20th century
- Feast
- 20 January
- Countries
- Nigeria, United Kingdom
Life story
He was born in September 1903 in Aguleri in south-eastern Nigeria to an Igbo family and was named Michael. From 1919 to 1925 he worked as a teacher and then became headmaster of St Joseph's school in Aguleri. He then entered seminary and was ordained a priest for the archdiocese of Onitsha on 19 December 1937.
After ordination he served in four parishes, among them Nnewi, Dunukofia, Akpu/Ajalli and Aguleri. Church biographies say he was known for teaching catechism, preparing couples for marriage and caring for the poor, while keeping a strict life of prayer. For years he hoped for a contemplative life.
In 1950 he went to Mount St Bernard Abbey in England, where he entered the Trappist order and took the name Cyprian. He lived there as a humble monk until his death on 20 January 1964 at Leicester, aged about 60. His body was later brought back to Nigeria. Pope John Paul II beatified him on 22 March 1998 at Oba in Nigeria; he was the first Nigerian to be beatified. His memorial is 20 January.
Works and witness
- Teacher from 1919 and headmaster of St Joseph's school
- Ordained for the archdiocese of Onitsha in 1937
- Served four parishes in Igbo country
- Entered the Trappist abbey of Mount St Bernard in England in 1950
- Beatified on 22 March 1998
Saints from the same country
References
- Pope John Paul II, beatification of 22 March 1998, Onitsha (Vatican)
- Mount St Bernard Abbey, biography of Blessed Cyprian Tansi
- Martyrologium Romanum
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.