Nigeria’s oldest Catholic priest, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, has passed away at the age of 104.

By Fr. Henry Charles Umelechi, Truth Series

Born on February 6, 1920, in Igiode town, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Monsignor Oleghe retired as a Catholic priest at the local Catholic Church in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, about three decades ago.

Meanwhile, “Monsignor” is a title bestowed on a priest who has distinguished himself through exceptional service to the church. It is a title granted by the pope, typically upon the recommendation of the priest’s diocesan bishop. This is a purely honorary title and has no effect on the priest’s duties or ministerial assignment. In January 2014, Pope Francis instructed the bishops of the world that diocesan priests would no longer be awarded the title before reaching the age of 65. No reasons were published for the pope’s decision.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, announced Monsignor Oleghe’s demise during the solemnity of Christ the King at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi.

Monsignor Oleghe, of the Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, died on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2:30 am. As announced by the Catholic Bishop of Abuchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dunia, the funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024. May God grant his priestly soul eternal rest. Amen.

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Also read: Nigerian Catholics: Is it Corpus Christi or Christ the King?