By Samson Adeyanju
Nigeria’s Catholic Church has lost its oldest priest, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Oleghe, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the age of 104.
The announcement was made by the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel Dunia, in a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for a life well-lived.
Bishop Dunia confirmed that Msgr. Oleghe died at approximately 2:30 am and described him as a gentle soul whose legacy will remain an inspiration to the Catholic faithful in Nigeria.
“With gratitude to God for a life well lived, I hereby inform you of the passing of Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Oleghe, the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria as of today, to the great beyond,” the statement read.
Msgr. Oleghe, a revered figure in the Diocese of Auchi, dedicated decades of his life to the service of the Church, earning the respect and admiration of clergy and laity alike.
His funeral Mass has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The announcement invited Catholics across the nation to join in celebrating the life of a man whose steadfast faith and devotion exemplified the essence of priestly service.
Msgr. Oleghe’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to God and humanity.
