Msgr. Thomas Oleghe, Nigeria’s oldest Catholic priest, has passed away at the age of 104.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi Diocese confirmed the news in a statement, announcing that Oleghe died peacefully at around 2:30 am on Sunday, November 24, 2024. His funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The statement expressed gratitude for the late priest’s long and impactful life: “With gratitude to God for a life well lived on earth, I hereby inform you of the passing of Rt. Rev. MSGR Thomas Oleghe, the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria, who departed this world at approximately 2:30 am this morning, November 24, 2024.”
Msgr. Oleghe was a member of the Diocese of Auchi, and the statement closed with a prayer for his soul: “May his lovely and gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
