By Miracle Ogunde
The oldest Catholic Priest in Nigeria, Monsignor Thomas Oleghe, has passed on.
Monsignor Oleghe, of the Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, reportedly died at about 2:30 am on Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was aged 104.
His demise was announced in a statement on Sunday by Gabriel G. Dunia, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, in Benin City, Edo State capital.
The bishop, in the statement announced that Oleghe’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The statement read, “With gratitude to God for a life well lived on earth, I hereby inform you of the passage of the Rt. Rev. MSGR Thomas Oleghe, the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria as of today, to the great beyond at about 2.30 am this morning on the 24th of November, 2024 at Igiode, near Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo.
“He is of the Diocese of Auchi. He died at the age of 104. May his lovely and gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.
“We have resolved to celebrate his funeral on Wednesday, the 27th of November, 2024.”
The late Catholic priest was born on February 6, 1920.
His remains will be laid to rest at the Catholic Cemetery at Ivhianokpodi, near Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The deceased centenarian retired about three years ago as a priest at the local Catholic Church in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.
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