Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi

Biography

Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, also known as Iwemmaduegbunam, was born in September 1903 in Igboezum, Aguleri, Nigeria. He was the son of Tabansi of Igboezunu-Aguleri and Ejikwevi of Nteje and was one of five children in the family. Despite his parents being non-Christian, they made the decision to send young Cyprian to live with and be educated by a Christian uncle.

Influenced by his Christian upbringing, Cyprian was baptized on 7 January 1912 and given the name Michael. He continued his education at Onitsha and Aguleri, where unfortunately he accidentally lost his left eye while playing with schoolmates.

Cyprian began his service to the Church by teaching at Holy Trinity School in Onitsha in 1920. He later became the headmaster of Saint Joseph's School in Aguleri in 1924. These early experiences in education and being involved in the Catholic Church led him to the decision to pursue priesthood.

In 1925, Cyprian entered Saint Paul's Seminary in Igbarium to study for the priesthood. He was ordained on 19 December 1937 in the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria. From 1937 to 1950, Father Cyprian served as a parish priest in various locations, including Nnewi, Dunukofia, Akpu/Ajilla, and Aguleri. He tirelessly traveled on foot for hours on end to minister to his widely scattered parishioners.

One of Father Cyprian's notable ministries was his work with women who were planning to marry. He offered guidance and support to them, ensuring that they were spiritually prepared for the sacrament of matrimony.

In 1950, Father Cyprian embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. His journey continued to England, where he found his spiritual home at the monastery of Mount Saint Bernard. There, he became an oblate and took the name Brother Cyprian. For the remainder of his life, he lived as a dedicated Trappist monk at the monastery, dedicating himself to a life of prayer, silence, and contemplation.

On 20 January 1964, Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi passed away at the Royal Infirmary in Leicester, England. He was buried in the cemetery of Saint Bernard's monastery. However, his remains were later re-interred on 17 October 1986 in the priest's cemetery of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Onitsha, Nigeria.

Recognizing his virtuous life and dedication to God, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 11 July 1995. Eventually, on 22 March 1998, Pope John Paul II beatified Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi during a ceremony held in Oba, Nigeria.

Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi's life exemplified a deep commitment to the Catholic faith, devotion to his parishioners, and a profound dedication to the monastic life. His beatification serves as an inspiration to Catholics around the world, and he continues to be venerated as a model of holiness and virtue.