Iwene Tansi was born in Nigeria, Africa in 1903. His parents were not Christians, but they sent Iwene to a school run by Catholic missionaries. There he learned about Jesus and made the decision to become a follower of Christ. He received the name Michael when he was baptized.
Teachers were needed for the Catholic schools founded by the missionaries, so Michael decided to become a teacher. He earned his teaching certificate when he was only sixteen. He taught for several years and even became a Headmaster, or principal. Michael’s work was satisfying, but he wanted to do more to help others to find Christ.
Michael joined the seminary. After ordination, he served as a parish priest in several villages. It was important for him to know all his parishioners, so he traveled on foot or on his bicycle to minister to the poor, the lonely, and the sick. He had a special interest in preparing young women for marriage. With the help of local nuns, the women were taught about Christian marriage and how to care for the children they would have.
Michael longed for the chance to spend more time in quiet prayer. He bishop gave him permission to join an order of Trappist monks in England. In the monastery, Michael took the name Fr. Cyprian. He hoped that one day, he would be able to open a Trappist monastery in Nigeria. After many prayerful years in the monastery, Fr. Cyprian died. His body was returned to his homeland for burial.
Fr. Cyprian was declared “Blessed” in 1998. We pray that one day soon he will be recognized as a saint. Fr. Cyprian believed in the power of prayer. He said we should always be in a conversation with God. This holy man’s life reminds us that talking and listening to God helps us to grow in faith.
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