Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi

Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi (September 1903 – 20 January 1964) was an Igbo Nigerian ordained a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria on 19 December 1937 and Trappist monk. He worked in the parishes of Nnewi, Dunukofia, Akpu/Ajalli and Aguleri.

Early Life and Heritage

Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi was born in September 1903 in Aguleri, a town in present-day Anambra State, Nigeria. He was born into a traditional Igbo family and named Iwene, a shortened form of Iwe-egbune, which translates to “let malice not kill.” His father, Tabansi of Igbezunu, Aguleri, was a poor farmer who had once been held hostage by the Royal Niger Company during a period of colonial unrest. Tansi’s family lived in poverty, and his father hoped education would help lift them out of their dire circumstances.

At a young age, Michael lost sight in one eye after a mud-fight with other children. Despite these challenges, his father enrolled him at the Holy Trinity School, Onitsha, managed by the Holy Ghost Fathers, where Michael’s Christian journey began. Baptized on July 7, 1913, with the name Michael, he served as an altar boy and catechist during his school years.

After completing his studies, Michael became a teacher and later a headmaster at St. Joseph’s School, Aguleri (1919–1925). His teaching career established his reputation as a disciplined and devoted man, deeply rooted in faith and service.

Journey to Priesthood

In 1925, Michael began his journey to priesthood at the Igbariam Seminary, despite resistance from his family, who had hoped he would pursue a career in business. The period was marked by skepticism towards Black priests, with rigorous discipline enforced by European clergy. Despite these challenges, Michael persevered, fueled by his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. On December 19, 1937, Michael was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, becoming one of the few Nigerians to achieve this status during a time dominated by foreign missionaries.

Parish Work

Father Michael Tansi served in several parishes, including Nnewi, Dunukofia, Akpu/Ajalli, and Aguleri. He was known for his austere lifestyle, choosing to live in homes he built from local materials and adopting the simple diet and transportation methods of his parishioners. His humility and dedication earned him the love and respect of his congregations.

Tansi was a community builder who actively fought for social justice. He opposed the oppression of women in traditional culture, personally intervening in cases of abuse and advocating for women’s rights. In one notable incident, he helped a female parishioner fight off her attackers and encouraged her to take them to court, a landmark case for women’s rights in Nigeria.

His pastoral work extended to organizing pre-marriage teachings for women, creating homes where brides-to-be were cared for and protected. He strictly enforced moral discipline among students and parishioners, earning a reputation as a perfectionist. Despite occasional resentment, his intentions were rooted in his vision of a spiritually and morally strong community.

Transition to Monastic Life

In 1950, Father Tansi felt called to a deeper spiritual life and joined the Trappist Monastery at Mount St. Bernard Abbey in England. There, he took the name Cyprian, after the early Christian martyr. He devoted himself to prayer, manual labor, and spiritual reflection, working in the monastery’s refectory, bookbindery, gardens, and orchard.

The transition to monastic life was challenging. Cyprian faced the harsh English winters and the demanding expectations of his novice master, which gave him a new perspective on the strict discipline he had once imposed on others. Despite these struggles, he remained committed to his faith, famously stating: “If you are going to be a Christian at all, you might as well live entirely for God.”

Final Days and Legacy

Father Cyprian Tansi was commissioned to help establish a monastery in Cameroon, but his health deteriorated due to arteriosclerosis and a ruptured aneurysm. He passed away on January 20, 1964, at the Leicester Royal Infirmary in England. His body was initially buried at Mount St. Bernard Abbey but was later transferred to the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha, Nigeria.

Beatification and Veneration

On March 22, 1998, Pope John Paul II beatified Cyprian Michael Tansi during a ceremony in Oba, Nigeria. The Pope described him as a “prime example of the fruits of holiness” in the Nigerian Church, highlighting his dedication to integrating faith into African and Nigerian cultural contexts.

Father Tansi is celebrated as the first West African to be beatified. His feast day is observed on January 20.

Institutions Named After Him

Numerous institutions honor his legacy, including:

• Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha.
• Tansian University, Umunya.
• Various parishes and schools across Nigeria, such as Blessed Iwene Tansi Secondary School, Aguleri.

Quotations

Father Tansi’s teachings emphasized faith, discipline, and the sanctity of marriage. Notable quotes include:

• “Count no one saved, until he is found in heaven.”
• “God will give you double for what you give Him.”
• “If you want to become a Catholic, live as a faithful Catholic.”

Legacy

Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi’s life is a testament to humility, dedication, and unwavering faith. His work as a priest and monk continues to inspire Christians worldwide, particularly in Nigeria, where he is a symbol of hope, justice, and spiritual devotion.

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