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Meet Father Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, the Nigerian-born priest to become Britain’s first Black saint

Father Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, a Nigerian-born Catholic priest, is poised to become Britain’s first Black saint.

Tansi, who was born in September 1903 in Aguleri, Nigeria, grew up during a time of British colonial influence, with the Royal Niger Company controlling the region’s palm oil trade.

According to the BBC, his family faced significant hardship when his father, Tabansi, was taken hostage during a conflict between the local villagers and the company. Though his father was later released, the experience left a lasting mark on Tansi’s upbringing, as his family was heavily struck by the conflict.

Tansi, raised in a poor farming family, lost sight in one eye as a child. His father, seeking a better future for his son, enrolled him at Holy Trinity School in Onitsha, where Tansi was baptized in 1913 with the Christian name Michael. He served as an altar boy and catechist, eventually becoming a teacher and later the headmaster of St. Joseph’s School in Aguleri.

In 1925, Tansi entered St. Paul’s Seminary in Igbariam and was ordained in 1937 for the Archdiocese of Onitsha. Known for his humility, Tansi built his own home, traveled through harsh conditions to serve his parishioners, and consistently helped the poor. He became an advocate for the protection of women and children, and his dedication led to several community-building projects.

In 1950, Tansi made a pilgrimage to Rome and was later sent to Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England. He spent the remainder of his life there, living a devout and simple life until his death in 1964 at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Father Tansi was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1998, a major step toward sainthood. For canonization, two miracles must be attributed to him. One reported miracle occurred when a Nigerian woman prayed to Tansi and was healed of a tumor according to Mount Saint Bernard.

On August 31, hundreds gathered at Mount St. Bernard Abbey to celebrate Tansi’s life. Father Nicolas Palmer, guest master at the abbey, described him as having “lived a very holy life.” His potential canonization would make him Britain’s first Black saint, a historic moment deeply anticipated by many who believe he truly deserves this selection.

Supporters from Leeds and Leicester believe Tansi’s sainthood would be a profound recognition of his legacy, further solidifying his impact both in life and in faith.

 

Source: face2faceafrica.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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