Cult of Blessed Iwene Tansi: Refurbish Your Challenges; Fr Okagbue tells Christians

By Olivia Obijiaku
On Saturday, 11th November, 2023, the first Saturday of Five Saturdays of Celebrating the Cult of Blessed Iwene Tansi themed Amazing Grace, the Rector of Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine/Diocesan Pilgrimage Centre, Aguleri, Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, Rev Fr Mike Okagbue called on the faithful to follow in the footsteps of the first beatified Nigerian who made the most of his problems and challenges to the glory of God and the good of humanity.
The Priest who reflected on, ‘Do Not Miss Your Opportunity’ explained that the Cult of Blessed Iwene Tansi is a reflection on the life and prayer pattern of the Nigerian Saint explaining that Tansi is a saint since he has been beatified clarifying that the beatified are only honoured in their countries; where they lived, like Leicester, London where Tansi’s monastery is located and other places with a special permission from the bishop.
“I do not know what you blame God for.” The rector said. “But He will use it to work wonders in your life. I want you to see your present and past good and bad conditions as an opportunity that God will use to lift you. He allowed that sickness so that He can heal and give you a testimony. It was the circumstances surrounding the death of Tansi’s mother that contributed to the major change in his life. Tansi’s mother was accused of killing children in the community and she was given a concoction to drink to prove her innocence. But back then, it was the native doctor who determined who would live or die because he was at liberty to mix the roots or herbs to suit their intentions. So, Tansi’s mother drank the concoction and died the following day. Tansi knew that his mother died in 1922 as a result of false allegation, superstition and evil tradition. When he was sent to Aguleri to work as a headmaster in 1924, he decided to put an end to superstition. It was in that process that he discovered that he was working for God, so, he decided to offer himself to God as a priest.”
“Yes, his mother died in such manner but the circumstances surrounding her death shifted Blessed Iwene Tansi’s life. He discovered that he had something to do for God in Aguleri, Igboland, Nigeria and the world. The bad thing that led to the death of his mother brought about something good. And that was why he fought against the killing of twins; existence of evil forest and other evil traditions.”
“Our calling is an opportunity but some of us run away from the call of God. Some of us run away from what they can do for their families, kinsmen, communities, parishes, and groups. If Paul has run away from his calling because of the difficulties attached to it, how will you have heard about him today? Accept your calling and it will bring you something good. That is why I have come to tell you today, ‘Do not miss your opportunity!”