Cipriano Miguel Tansi (1903–1964)

Biography

Nigeria's first blessed, Cyprian Miguel Tansi was a diocesan priest and later a Cistercian monk. As a parish priest he walked great distances, seriously prepared couples for marriage, defended the dignity of women and promoted the education of young women. He later agreed to leave his homeland to train in monastic life in England, hoping to take it to Africa. In the abbey he humbly lived through cultural difficulties and daily work, offering everything for his people. His life united pastoral zeal and contemplation.